A bus carrying 53 Pakistani pilgrims overturned in central Iran, resulting in the deaths of at least 28 individuals and leaving 23 others injured. The accident occurred as the bus was en route to the holy city of Karbala in Iraq for the Arbaeen pilgrimage. According to initial investigations, a technical issue with the bus’s braking system led to the tragic incident.
The crisis management director general of Yazd, Ali Malekzadeh, shared that among the casualties, 11 women and 17 men lost their lives, while seven of the injured individuals are in critical condition. Additionally, six of the injured have already been discharged from the hospital.
The Arbaeen pilgrimage, which is currently underway, sees millions of Shia Muslims traveling through Iran to reach their destination. This annual commemoration marks the 40th day of mourning for Imam Hussein, drawing large numbers of pilgrims to Karbala.
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It’s important to note that these pilgrimages often involve long and hazardous journeys, and safety concerns have been raised due to the high number of fatalities on Iran’s roads. The country has a concerning traffic safety record, with approximately 17,000 deaths reported annually. This is attributed to various factors such as non-compliance with traffic laws, substandard vehicles, and inadequate emergency services, particularly in rural areas.
Last year, the Arbaeen commemoration in Karbala attracted around 22 million pilgrims, underscoring the significance of this religious event within the Shia Muslim community.
