At least five students dead as bridge collapses in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir

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Police said at least 40 tourists have been swept away and five of them were dead after a footbridge over a river collapsed Sunday in the Neelum valley of the Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.

"We have recovered four bodies of boys and one of a girl. Twelve others are still missing and we don't have any hope about them (surviving) because the water is very cold", AFP reported citing Chaudhary Imtiaz, a senior government official in Kashmir's capital Muzaffarabad.

Eight other students were also injured in the accident, according to Imtiaz.

Local media said more than 40 tourists stopped to take pictures on the bridge, located in the Nala Jagran area of the valley, when it collapsed as it could not withstand the weight.

The Neelum valley police official Saleem Durrani also confirmed the cause, saying "Its [the bridge's] cemented foundation could not sustain the weight."

Local residents said the victims were likely students of a college touring the scenic valley from the country's eastern Punjab province.

Some victims' bodies have been recovered, whereas a search to recover the rest is underway.

Personnel of the Pakistan Army are also assisting in the operation, said local TV channel ARY News, adding that the extremely cold water of the river and its strong currents are hindering search and recover efforts.

The Neelum valley is a popular tourist spot, especially in summer. Visitors from across the country head there for its cool weather and scenic beauty.

Source(s): AFP ,Xinhua News Agency