DUSHANBE, February 22, 2011, Asia-Plus -- Five persons were killed and one other was seriously injured on February 21 as a vehicle fell over precipice into a river in Sughd province.

According to the Interior Ministry traffic police directorate, the accident took place in the Safedorak area of the Anzob Jamoat, Ayni district.  “The 31-year-old Naqibsho Jamilov apparently could not control his Mitsubishi Pajero and it fell over a 100-meter precipice into the river,” the source said.

“The driver sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized, while five passengers – Qiyomiddin Jurayev, 51, Mujassama Jurayeva, 21, Muyassara Jurayeva, 18, and minors Dilovar Jamilov and Ibodullo Rajabov – drowned.  The bodies of M. Jurayeva and I. Rajabov were found and search operation for other bodies is going on,” the source noted.

According to the statistical data from the traffic police directorate, 119 traffic accidents reported in the country last month left 50 dead and 140 injured.