SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and 15 others injured Friday after a mini-bus carrying them skidded off a mountainous road and fell into gorge in Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The accident took place near Thakrie in Kishtwar district, about 217 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Today a mini-bus carrying passengers skidded off the road here and fell into gorge, killing five on spot and injuring many others," Angrez Singh Rana, deputy commissioner told Xinhua.

"We have sent rescue teams to the spot who have retrieved five bodies and also removed the injured to nearest hospital."

Reports said no sooner the news about the accident spread, locals as well as police officials rushed to the spot to carry out rescue work.

A police official posted at police control room Kishtwar said besides five dead, around 15 people were injured in the accident.

The cause of the accident was being ascertained, police said.????