Tragic Bus Accident in Iran Claims 28 Lives, Injures 23 Pilgrims

A bus carrying Pakistani pilgrims overturned in central Iran, resulting in 28 fatalities and 23 injuries. The accident occurred due to a technical defect in the bus braking system in Yazd province. Iranian authorities are providing relief, while Pakistan's consular services are investigating.

A tragic accident in central Iran claimed the lives of 28 Pakistani pilgrims and injured another 23 people, according to state media reports on Wednesday.

The disaster happened late on Tuesday in Yazd province, with a faulty braking system identified as the cause, based on initial findings by Iranian traffic police. "Regrettably, 11 women and 17 men died in this incident. Seven of the injured are in critical condition, while six have already been discharged," said Yazd province's crisis management director general on state TV.

Pakistan's consular officials have been summoned to Yazd to follow up on the situation. "We extend heartfelt condolences to the government of Pakistan and the affected families," stated Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani on social media. "Iranian authorities are actively coordinating relief and medical assistance," he added.

This accident occurs as millions of Shi'ite Muslims participate in the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq's Karbala Governorate, commemorating the 40th day following the martyrdom of Imam Hussein bin Ali, a key figure in Shi'ite Islam and the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.

(With inputs from agencies.)