DUSHANBE, February 7, 2011, Asia-Plus -- One person has been killed, three other persons have been injured and two others have been reported missing after the vehicle they were moving in fell over a precipice into a river in the northern Sughd province.

According to the Committee for Emergency Situations (CES), the accident took place in Ayni district, 121st kilometer of the highway from Dushanbe to Khujand on February 7.  “An all-terrain vehicle Musso with five passengers (all of them are students at Tajik Medical University) on board was moving from Dushanbe to Khujand,” said the source, “The driver apparently could not control the vehicle and it fell over a 50-meter precipice into the Fon-Daryo River.”

One of passengers – Abdurasoul Samadov – died on the spot, while three others – Mahmadazim Naimzoda, Mutaram Mousozoda and Firouzbek Sabourzoda – sustained various injuries and were hospitalized.  The driver, Zayniddin Norov, and Bishoira Kholboyeva have been reported missing.  Search operation for them is going on, the source noted.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.  The source noted that the accident could be caused by the ice condition of the road.