Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Faizi told Dawn News that six bodies have been recovered so far, while 17 children and a teacher were rescued.

“Four children are in critical condition. They have been moved to the District Headquarters Hospital Kohat," Faizi told the newspaper.

He said the children aboard were all aged between 12 and 20 years.

He said: “They were all madrasa students out on a day trip to the dam.”

Faizi added that seven ambulances, four boats, two recovery vehicles and more than 40 personnel of Rescue 1122 were participating in the search operation, which is under way.

Caretaker KP Chief Minister Azam Khan expressed sadness over the development.