Tragic Bus Crash in Iran Claims 28 Shia Pilgrims On the Way to Iraq

A bus carrying Shia pilgrims from Pakistan to Iraq crashed in central Iran late Tuesday night. Officials informed on Wednesday that at least 28 pilgrims on board the bus were killed in the accident, while 23 others were injured.

Iran's state news agency 'IRNA' quoted local emergency service official Mohammad Ali Malakzadeh as saying that the accident took place late Tuesday night in Yazd province of central Iran. According to Malakzadeh, 23 pilgrims were injured in the accident, out of which 14 have suffered serious injuries.

Emergency service official Mohammad Ali Malakzadeh said that a total of 51 people were on board the bus at the time of the accident. The pilgrims were going to Iraq for Arbaeen, a ritual performed on the 40th day of the martyrdom of a Shia prophet in the seventh century.

There is a large number of Shias in Pakistan. Shia pilgrims choose the route of Iran to go to Iraq. Every year, millions of Shias visit Karbala to attend the Arbaeen, a ritual held to commemorate the 40th day of Imam Hussein's martyrdom. It is also worth noting that this accident has put Iran's road safety in the dock. On average, 17,000 people die in road accidents in the country every year.