Pakistan (Commonwealth Union)_ On the evening of August 20, 2024, a catastrophic bus crash in the central Iranian province of Yazd resulted in the deaths of at least 28 Pakistani pilgrims. Accordingly, the bus transporting Shiite pilgrims from Pakistan to Iraq met with a tragic accident near the city of Taft, approximately 500 kilometers southeast of Tehran. According to Mohammad Ali Malekzadeh, a local emergency official, the accident happened late Tuesday night. The bus, which was carrying a total of 51 passengers, overturned on the highway, leaving a scene of devastation. The vehicle’s roof was crushed, and the bus was found lying on its side with all doors half open. Hence, the emergency responders had to navigate through broken glass and scattered fragments to reach the victims.
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In addition to the 28 fatalities, 23 individuals sustained injuries, with 14 in serious condition. Malekzadeh attributed the crash to mechanical failure, specifically the bus brakes failing, and driver negligence. Additionally, the surveillance footage broadcasted by Iranian state television revealed the bus speeding past a parked car and turning into a dirt lot moments before the crash, narrowly avoiding bystanders. The pilgrims, natives of Larkana in Pakistan’s Sindh province, were travelling to Iraq to participate in Arbaeen, a significant religious observance in Shiite Islam. Arbaeen commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in Iraq in 680 AD. This pilgrimage marks the end of a 40-day mourning period and attracts millions to Karbala in Iraq each year. Iranian police have reported that over 3 million pilgrims have already crossed into Iraq for the event.
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The devastating crash that killed 28 Pakistani pilgrims has prompted expressions of sorrow from Pakistani officials. Accordingly, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his deep sadness over the incident and noted that diplomatic efforts are underway to assist the affected families. He posted on X, “Deeply saddened by the crash. My thoughts are with the bereaved families”. Additionally, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also expressed condolences, highlighting the tragic loss of life in the accident. He said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of precious human lives in the bus accident in Iran”.
Furthermore, Iran’s traffic safety record is notoriously poor, with nearly 20,000 deaths reported annually. The country struggles with a high rate of road traffic fatalities due to a combination of factors, including negligent enforcement of traffic laws, outdated and unsafe vehicles, and inadequate emergency services in rural areas. In a related incident, a separate bus crash in Iran’s southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province early Wednesday morning claimed six lives and injured 18 others. This additional accident underscores the severe traffic safety challenges faced by Iran. As the community mourns the loss of lives in these tragic events, the need for improved traffic safety measures in Iran becomes increasingly urgent. The series of accidents highlights ongoing issues within the nation’s transport system and the critical need for reform to prevent further loss of life.
