By V.E.K.Madhushani, Jadetimes News
Tragic Accident Occurs During Return Journey from Religious Pilgrimage
A bus carrying Pakistani pilgrims tragically overturned in Iran, resulting in the deaths of at least 28 passengers, according to reports from Iranian state media. The incident occurred on Tuesday night in the central province of Yazd and was attributed to a defective braking system, as per an initial police investigation reported by Reuters.
The crash left another 23 passengers injured, 14 of whom are in critical condition, according to Pakistan's ambassador to Iran, Muhammad Mudassir Tipu. The pilgrims, hailing from Pakistan's Sindh province, were en route to the holy city of Karbala in Iraq to participate in one of the most significant events in the Shia religious calendar.
Local media sources suggest that around 50 people were on board the bus at the time of the accident, including pilgrims from the cities of Larkana, Ghotki, and other areas in Sindh. Among the deceased were 11 women and 17 men, as confirmed by Ali Malekzadeh, the crisis management director.
Reports indicate that the bus caught fire in front of the Dehshir Taft checkpoint, approximately 681 km (423 miles) south of Tehran, the capital of Iran. Mr. Malekzadeh stated that the bus veered off the road due to the driver’s loss of control, unfamiliarity with the road, excessive speed, and technical issues.
Iranian state television reported that the bus, carrying 51 Pakistani pilgrims, overturned and ignited near the Dehshir Taft checkpoint in Yazd province. Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his sorrow over the tragic loss and directed the foreign ministry to expedite the repatriation of the deceased and provide assistance to the injured.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives, and Pakistan’s consulate in Iran has been instructed to assist with the recovery efforts. Ambassador Mudassir Tipu is coordinating with the Iranian government and local authorities in Yazd to manage the situation.
Iran has a notoriously poor traffic safety record, one of the worst globally. The United Nations’ road safety fund is currently working on a project to help Iran improve its traffic safety standards.
The pilgrims were partaking in Arbaeen, a significant religious observance that marks the end of 40 days of mourning for Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed. Imam Hussein’s death in the Battle of Karbala over 1,000 years ago continues to evoke profound grief among believers.
Pilgrims from around the world journey to Imam Hussein’s tomb, located under a golden dome in Karbala. The city becomes vibrant during Arbaeen, adorned with lights, flowers, and festive decorations. Iraqis from Karbala take pride in their tradition of hosting Arbaeen pilgrims, reflecting their deep-rooted hospitality.
Last year, Arbaeen attracted around 25 million participants, making it the largest annual pilgrimage globally. In comparison, the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca saw about 2.5 million participants in the same year.
