A tragic bus accident in central Iran has claimed the lives of at least 35 Shiite pilgrims from Pakistan, according to an official statement on Wednesday. The crash occurred Tuesday night in the Yazd province, as confirmed by Mohammad Ali Malekzadeh, a local emergency official, speaking to the state-run IRNA news agency.
The bus was transporting 51 pilgrims en route to Iraq for Arbaeen, a significant Shiite religious observance marking the 40th day after the death of a 7th-century Shiite saint. The pilgrimage to Karbala, Iraq, is known as one of the largest annual public gatherings in the world.
In addition to the fatalities, 23 people sustained injuries, with 14 in serious condition. The exact cause of the crash has not been immediately determined. Iran, which has one of the highest traffic fatality rates globally with approximately 17,000 deaths annually, often faces challenges related to traffic law enforcement, vehicle safety, and emergency services, particularly in its extensive rural areas.
In a separate incident early Wednesday, another bus crash in Iran’s southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province resulted in six deaths and 18 injuries, according to local authorities.
Key Points:
- Fatal Bus Crash: A bus carrying Shiite pilgrims from Pakistan crashed in central Iran, resulting in at least 28 deaths.
- Location and Timing: The accident occurred on Tuesday night in Yazd province, central Iran.
- Injuries Reported: Alongside the fatalities, 23 people were injured, with 14 in serious condition.
- Pilgrimage Destination: The bus was en route to Iraq for Arbaeen, a major Shiite religious observance in Karbala.
- Traffic Safety Record: Iran has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the world, with about 17,000 deaths annually due to traffic-related issues.
- Cause of Crash: Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash.
- Additional Incident: A separate bus crash in Sistan and Baluchestan province on Wednesday morning resulted in six deaths and 18 injuries.
