Tragic Bus Accident in Iran Claims Lives of 35 Pakistani Pilgrims

The bus was carrying 53 passengers, including pilgrims from Larkana, Ghotki, and other

cities in Sindh, Pakistan

Media Reports

Yazd, Iran: A devastating accident has claimed the lives of at least 35 Pakistani pilgrims and injured 18 others after their bus overturned in central Iran. The tragedy occurred late Tuesday in the province of Yazd, as the bus was en route to the holy city of Karbala, Iraq, for the Arbaeen pilgrimage.

Accident Details

The bus was carrying 53 passengers, including pilgrims from Larkana, Ghotki, and other cities in Sindh, Pakistan. The accident is believed to have been caused by a technical defect in the vehicle’s braking system, according to a preliminary investigation by Yazd traffic police.

The bus reportedly swerved off the road near the Dehshir-Taft checkpoint, about 681 kilometers (423 miles) south of Tehran, due to a combination of high speed, driver unfamiliarity with the road, and technical problems. The vehicle eventually caught fire after overturning.

Casualties and Injuries

Among the 35 deceased, 11 were women and 24 were men. Of the 18 injured, seven are reported to be in critical condition, while six have been discharged from the hospital.

Ali Malekzadeh, the crisis management director general of Yazd, provided these details to state TV, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life. The Pakistani government has mobilized efforts to assist the victims and their families.

Government Response

Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari has directed the foreign ministry to expedite the repatriation of the deceased and provide necessary aid to the injured. Interior Minister Moshin Naqvi also expressed profound sadness over the tragic event. Pakistan’s consulate in Iran has been actively involved in recovery efforts, with Ambassador Muhammad Mudassir Tipu in close contact with Iranian authorities.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. He has instructed Provincial Minister Nasir Shah to ensure all possible assistance to the affected families in Iran and to coordinate with the Iranian Consul General in Karachi for the swift return of the bodies.

Arbaeen Pilgrimage and Traffic Safety Concerns

The pilgrims were on their way to participate in the Arbaeen pilgrimage, a significant event marking the end of a 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed. This pilgrimage attracts millions of Shia Muslims each year.

Iran has a notorious record for poor traffic safety, with approximately 20,000 deaths annually due to road accidents. This incident underscores the ongoing concerns regarding traffic safety in the region.

Next Steps

Efforts are underway to bring the bodies of the deceased back to Pakistan. The Sindh Chief Minister has instructed the Chief Secretary to coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the best medical care for the injured and facilitate their safe return.

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