At least 23 people died and a number of others injured when a passenger coach plunged into a deep ditch in Azad Kashmir on Wednesday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Four women and three children were among the dead as the rescue officials launched rescued operation.

The passenger coach was travelling from Rawlakot to Kotli when it met the accident at Azad Kashmir district of Sadhnoti’s area of Manjhari.

According to police sources, 23 people died on the spot while eight were injured, who were shifted to Baloch Hospital.

Police sources said it has not yet been ascertained what happened to the passenger coach as it fell into the ditch.

Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi expressed shock and grief over loss of so many lives in Baloch accident.

While praying for the early recovery of the injured, the AJK premier directed the authorities to pace up the rescue activities.

Reporter Zahid Bashir Chaudhry