Jammu, Jul 24: The state authorities today rushed naval divers from Srinagar to Kishtwar to help in rescue operations after a vehicle carrying 30 passengers plunged into the river Chenab, a senior police officer said.
 “Naval divers arrived in Kishtwar town by two helicopters from Srinagar this afternoon to undertake rescue operation,” SP Kishtwar Haseeb Mughal said.
 No passenger has been traced since the accident occurred yesterday despite search operations by police and civil authorities, he said.
 The vehicle was on its way from Thatri to Kishtwar when it met with the accident near Phagu Morch, 203-km from Jammu.
 The van was packed to capacity with some passengers sitting on its roof when it rolled down into the river.
 Two passengers, who swam to safety, said some 30-35 people were travelling in the ill-fated vehicle.
 Authorities immediately launched the rescue operation which was, however, suspended due to darkness, police said.
 Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee has condoled the death of 32 passengers in a tragic road accident at Kandani Kishtwar.
 President PCC Prof. Saifuddin Soz, MP (former Union Minister) and other senior leaders of the party have expressed deep shock and grief over the loss of precious lives in a road accident near Kandani at Kishtwar.
 The leaders have conveyed have heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and demanded adequate relief to the victims.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 24 Jul 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 24 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:00:00 IST