In Uttarakhand, at least nine persons were killed and twelve injured when a utility vehicle fell into a deep gorge in Chakrata area of Dehradun district. According to District Authorities the accident occurred when the vehicle skidded off the road amid rain. While five people were killed on the spot, four others succumbed to injuries in the hospital. Meanwhile, the snowfall in higher reaches and rains in lower parts has intensified cold conditions across the state with mercury plummeting down in most places