JAMMU:  Over 35 passengers were feared dead after a private bus they were travelling in skidded off the road in Kishtwar district and fell into Chenab river on Thursday afternoon. At least 25 bodies were taken out of the river, while two passengers managed to swim to the riverbank, official sources informed.

Sources said the mishap occurred around 1.30 pm on Thursday at Kandini, 25 km from Kishtwar town. The bus skidded off, fell 250 feet down and lay almost submerged in the river. Among those rescued, 4 were in critical condition. The injured were airlifted to Jammu and shifted to Government Medical College Hospital. The rescue operation, jointly undertaken by the police and local residents, is under progress.