Kishtwar, August 15: Five people were killed on Saturday after a Scorpio vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge at Yaivan near Tender Nallah in the Dachhan area of Kishtwar district.

According to preliminary information, the accident occurred after the vehicle, bearing registration number HR29AG-0648, reportedly went out of control before rolling down the steep gorge.

All five occupants are reported to have died at the spot.

A police team reached the accident site after the incident, while rescue and relief operations were launched in the area. The identities of the deceased and further details about the circumstances leading to the accident were awaited.

The incident was initially reported with the vehicle untraced, but subsequent information confirmed that the Scorpio had plunged into the gorge.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the loss of five lives and directed the District Administration and senior officials to provide immediate assistance to the affected families.

In his message, the Lieutenant Governor said he was deeply saddened by the accident and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families.