At least 28 passengers have been reported dead according to Iranian state media after a bus carrying Pakistani pilgrims overturned in Iran.
The accident occurred on Tuesday night in Yazd province, central Iran, and was attributed to a faulty braking system.
Additionally, 23 passengers were injured, with 14 in critical condition, as stated by Pakistan’s ambassador to Iran, Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, to the BBC.
The pilgrims were en route from Sindh province in Pakistan to Karbala, Iraq, to observe 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 various cities in Sindh.
Among the deceased, there were eleven women and seventeen men, according to crisis management director Ali Malekzadeh.
The bus caught fire near the Dehshir-Taft checkpoint in Iran, roughly 681 kilometres (423 miles) south of Tehran, as reported by local media.
Malekzadeh stated that the bus veered off the road “due to a lack of control by the driver, unfamiliarity with the road, high speed, and technical issues.”
In response, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari announced that the foreign ministry would assist in repatriating the bodies and providing aid to the injured.
Interior Minister Moshin Naqvi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the Iranian bus accident.
Pakistan’s consulate in Iran has been tasked with aiding in recovery efforts. Tipu mentioned he is in contact with the Iranian government and local authorities in Yazd.
Iran is known for its poor road safety record, one of the worst globally.
The UN’s road safety fund is currently engaged in a project to improve Iran’s traffic safety.
The pilgrimage, known as Arbaeen, marks the end of a 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein, the Prophet Mohammed’s grandson.
Imam Hussein died in the Battle of Karbala over a thousand years ago, and this event continues to evoke deep sadness and grief among many believers.
Pilgrims from around the world travel to his tomb, which is housed beneath a golden dome.
During Arbaeen, the ancient city of Karbala is illuminated with fairy lights, flowers, and bunting.
Iraqis in Karbala take pride in hosting Arbaeen pilgrims, reflecting their tradition of hospitality.
Last year’s pilgrimage saw around 25 million participants, making Arbaeen the largest annual pilgrimage on Earth.
In contrast, approximately 2.5 million pilgrims attended the Hajj to Mecca in the same year.
NANCY MBAMALU
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