In a tragic incident an overloaded matador van plunged into a deep gorge at around 9 am today in Thakrai area of  Kishtwar district that killed at least 12 people and left 13 others injured.

The accident occured when the vehicle, packed with passengers, was coming from Keshwan, Deputy Commissioner  Kishtwar  Angrez Singh Rana said.

A large-scale rescue operation is underway.

Details awaited