By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA

At least four people died after an avalanche hit a road linking capital Bishkek to southern Osh city, Kyrgyz media reported Tuesday.

The employees of the Transport Ministry were traveling in a car when it was hit by a large mass of snow at the 255th km, according to AKIpress news agency.

Rescue teams pulled out six people from other ministry cars trapped under the snow, AKIpress said.

Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev extended condolences to the families of the victims. He also ordered financial assistance to the families, the presidency said in a statement.