Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
5 minutes read. Updated 5:05AM GMT Thurs, 22August, 2024

In a tragic incident reported by Iranian state media, at least 28 Pakistani pilgrims have been killed, and 23 others injured after their bus overturned in central Iran. The accident occurred late Tuesday night in the Yazd province, while the bus was en route to the holy city of Karbala, Iraq, for the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
According to initial investigations by traffic police in Yazd, a technical malfunction in the bus’s braking system is believed to be the cause of the crash. The bus was carrying 53 passengers when the accident happened, marking a somber moment for those making their way to one of the most significant Shia Muslim commemorations.
Ali Malekzadeh, the crisis management director general of Yazd, confirmed the heartbreaking news on state television, stating, “Unfortunately, 11 women and 17 men lost their lives in this accident. Seven of the injured are in critical condition, while six have been discharged from the hospital.”
The Arbaeen pilgrimage, which commemorates the 40th day of mourning for Imam Hussein—grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and son of Imam Ali—is a significant event for Shia Muslims. The pilgrimage involves millions of devotees traveling to Karbala, with many opting to journey through Iran.
The volume of pilgrims making their way to Karbala annually is immense. Last year, approximately 22 million people attended the Arbaeen commemoration in Karbala, highlighting the scale of the pilgrimage.
Iran is notorious for its poor traffic safety record, with around 17,000 fatalities reported annually. The country’s traffic accidents are often attributed to non-compliance with traffic regulations, unsafe vehicles, and limited emergency services in its expansive rural regions.