A bus carrying Pakistani pilgrims overturned in Iran, resulting in at least 28 fatalities, according to Iranian state media.
The accident occurred on Tuesday night in the central Iranian province of Yazd, attributed to a malfunctioning braking system, as reported by Reuters based on a preliminary police investigation.
Additionally, 23 passengers were injured, 14 of them critically, as reported by Pakistan’s ambassador to Iran, Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, to the BBC.
The pilgrims were en route from Pakistan’s Sindh province to Iraq’s holy city of Karbala to participate in one of the major events in the Shia calendar.
Local media indicate that about 50 people were on the bus at the time of the crash, including pilgrims from Larkana, Ghotki, and other cities in Sindh.
Among those who died were 11 women and 17 men, as confirmed by crisis management director Ali Malekzadeh.
The bus caught fire near the Dehshir-Taft checkpoint in Iran, approximately 681 km (423 miles) south of Tehran, according to local media reports.
Malekzadeh explained that the crash was caused by a combination of high speed, technical issues, and the driver’s lack of control and unfamiliarity with the road.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari announced that the foreign ministry is working to repatriate the bodies and provide aid to the injured.
Interior Minister Moshin Naqvi expressed deep sadness over the loss of life in the accident.
Pakistan’s consulate in Iran has been asked to assist with recovery efforts. Mudassir Tipu mentioned ongoing communication with the Iranian government and local authorities in Yazd.
Iran is known for its poor traffic safety record, which ranks among the worst in the world.
The accident occurred on Tuesday night in the central Iranian province of Yazd, attributed to a malfunctioning braking system, as reported by Reuters based on a preliminary police investigation.
Additionally, 23 passengers were injured, 14 of them critically, as reported by Pakistan’s ambassador to Iran, Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, to the BBC.
The pilgrims were en route from Pakistan’s Sindh province to Iraq’s holy city of Karbala to participate in one of the major events in the Shia calendar.
Local media indicate that about 50 people were on the bus at the time of the crash, including pilgrims from Larkana, Ghotki, and other cities in Sindh.
Among those who died were 11 women and 17 men, as confirmed by crisis management director Ali Malekzadeh.
The bus caught fire near the Dehshir-Taft checkpoint in Iran, approximately 681 km (423 miles) south of Tehran, according to local media reports.
Malekzadeh explained that the crash was caused by a combination of high speed, technical issues, and the driver’s lack of control and unfamiliarity with the road.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari announced that the foreign ministry is working to repatriate the bodies and provide aid to the injured.
Interior Minister Moshin Naqvi expressed deep sadness over the loss of life in the accident.
Pakistan’s consulate in Iran has been asked to assist with recovery efforts. Mudassir Tipu mentioned ongoing communication with the Iranian government and local authorities in Yazd.
Iran is known for its poor traffic safety record, which ranks among the worst in the world.
The UN’s road safety fund has an ongoing project looking into how Iran can improve its record.
The pilgrimage, known as Arbaeen (Arabic for the number 40), marks the end of a period of 40 days of mourning for Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.
Iman Hussein died in the Battle of Karbala more than 1,000 years ago and this event still brings up feelings of deep sadness and grief to many believers.
Pilgrims from many parts of the world head to his tomb, which is concealed under a golden dome.
The ancient city of Karbala comes alive during the period, decorated with garlands of fairy lights, flowers and bunting.
Iraqis from Karbala pride themselves in hosting Arbaeen pilgrims – reflecting a tradition of hospitality.
During last year’s pilgrimage, around 25 million people took part, making Arbaeen the largest annual pilgrimage on Earth.
By contrast, in the same year around 2.5 million pilgrims participated in the Hajj to Mecca.
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