A total of five people including three children were found dead and two others missing after a minivan plunged into a river in West Sumatra province of western Indonesia, a senior rescuer said Saturday.

The incident occurred when a big wooden boat carrying the minivan was crossing Wampu river in Stungkit village of Langkat district, head of operational unit of provincial search and rescue office Agus Wibisono told Xinhua over phone from the province.

"The engine of the vehicle remained on when it was on the boat. But suddenly the car moved and plunged into the river," said Wibisono.

The minivan was retrieved from the river bed, but five of the people inside the car were dead, and two others went missing, he said.

Search for the missing people got underway, involving personnel of search and rescue office and volunteers, according to Wibisono.