Tragedy in Iran: 28 dead, 23 injured in bus crash
At least 28 people died in a bus accident in Iran, with another 23 seriously injured. A total of 51 people were in the vehicle, which was traveling to the city of Taft.
The tragic bus accident occurred late Tuesday night. The vehicle was carrying Shia pilgrims from Pakistan to Iraq through Iran. According to local emergency official Mohammad Ali Malekzadeh, the driver lost control of the car during the night drive.
Local media displayed photos from the accident scene, showing an overturned bus with a crushed roof and open doors. Rescuers were carefully searching the scene, attempting to reach survivors.
Local emergency services representative Mohammad Ali Malekzadeh blamed the accident on brake failure and driver inattentiveness.
More than half of the passengers lost their lives
At the time of the accident, there were 51 people onboard the bus. At least 28 people were killed, and 23 were seriously injured.
Local media in Pakistan quoted Qamar Abbas, a Shia community leader, who stated that the number of victims could be as high as 35. These figures have not yet been officially confirmed. Abbas also mentioned that the passengers came from Larkana, a southern Sindh province in Pakistan.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the bus accident in Iran - expressed his condolences the Pakistani Minister of Interior Mohsin Naqvu.
It is already known that the pilgrims were headed to Iraq to participate in the Arbaeen observance, which commemorates the death of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Husayn. Arbaeen is one of the most significant events for Shia and annually draws tens of millions of faithful to Karbala in Iraq.
Terrible statistics
Iran struggles with one of the highest road accident rates in the world, with an annual death toll reaching 17,000. Such a high number is attributed to widespread disregard for traffic rules, dangerous vehicles, and insufficient emergency care, especially in vast rural areas.
