DUSHANBE, June 19, 2009, Asia-Plus -- Rockfall-caused traffic accident has left three dead and four injured in the Ayni district, Sughd province, according to the Ministry of Interior (MoI).

The source at a MoI said the accident took place in the Shamtuch area of Ayni Thursday evening.

“A rockfall occurred and the 50-year-old Hoji Shekhov apparently could not control his UAZ-469 (Russian jeep) with six passengers on board and it fell over a 300-meter precipice into the Zarafshon River,” said the source, “The driver and two passengers died on the spot and four other passengers, including two minors, received various injuries and were taken to the nearest hospital.”