5 May, SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir: At least four people were killed and eight others injured Thursday after a minibus carrying 12 people came under an avalanche in Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The avalanche hit the minibus in Bhaderwah of Doda district, about 265 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

“Today an avalanche drifted near Chattar Gali pass on Bhaderwah-Basholi road and hit a minibus, killing four people and injuring eight others,” Brijesh Sharma, a police officer posted in Bhaderwah told Xinhua over telephone. “The minibus was pushed off the road into a deep gorge.”

According to Sharma, the seven injured were shifted to Doda district hospital, while as one is admitted at a medical facility in Bhaderwah.

Rescuers have retrieved all the four bodies from the mangled vehicle, officials said.

Police said the minibus was carrying locals from nearby Bani village.

Indian-controlled Kashmir has a rugged terrain. Landslides and avalanches are often triggered from its mountains during frequent rains and heavy snowfalls the region receives. Xinhua