Devastating Accident in Yazd Province
A tragic accident struck late Tuesday night in Yazd province, Iran, where a bus carrying Pakistani Shiite pilgrims crashed, leading to the deaths of at least 28 people. The bus, en route to Iraq, was carrying 51 passengers, all of whom were Pakistani nationals. Local emergency official Mohammad Ali Malekzadeh confirmed the fatalities and reported that the incident left 23 others injured, with 14 in critical condition.
Rescuers Battle Harsh Conditions
Rescue teams faced challenging conditions as they arrived at the crash site, where the overturned bus lay shattered on the highway. Images broadcasted by Iranian state television depicted the bus with its roof caved in and its doors flung open, surrounded by debris and broken glass. Rescuers carefully navigated the hazardous scene in a desperate effort to save lives.
Pilgrims on a Sacred Journey
The pilgrims aboard the bus were traveling to Iraq to participate in the Arbaeen commemoration, a significant event in Shiite Islam. Arbaeen, which means “forty” in Arabic, marks the 40th day following the martyrdom of Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. The gathering in Karbala, Iraq, draws millions of pilgrims each year, making it one of the largest annual religious events globally.
Pakistan Mourns the Loss
Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, expressed his profound grief over the tragedy. In a statement, he conveyed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, emphasizing the profound impact on the families of the victims. The incident has left both Pakistan and Iran in mourning, as the pilgrims were on a journey of spiritual significance.
Arbaeen Pilgrimage Continues Despite Tragedy
Despite the tragedy, the Arbaeen pilgrimage continues, with millions of pilgrims already making their way to Karbala. Iranian authorities reported that 3 million pilgrims had already crossed into Iraq for the event. The crash serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with such large-scale gatherings, even as the faithful remain determined to honor their religious traditions.
SOURCE: Ref Image from NBC News
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