Tragic Bus Crash Claims Lives of Shiite Pilgrims in Iran

A bus carrying Shiite pilgrims from Pakistan to Iraq crashed in Yazd province, Iran, killing at least 28 people and injuring 23 others. Faulty brakes and driver inattention are blamed. The pilgrims were en route to Karbala for Arbaeen. Their journey tragically halted in Iran's central region.

A tragic bus accident involving Shiite pilgrims from Pakistan occurred in Yazd province, Iran, claiming at least 28 lives and injuring 23 others, local officials reported on Wednesday.

The incident took place late Tuesday in central Iran, as the bus, carrying 51 passengers, crashed outside the city of Taft, around 500 kilometers southeast of Tehran. Emergency services attributed the accident to brake failure and driver error.

Iranian state TV aired footage of the overturned vehicle with its roof crushed and its doors open, while rescuers combed through broken glass and scattered debris. "All passengers were from Pakistan," said Mohammad Ali Malekzadeh, a Yazd emergency official. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his sorrow and noted that diplomats were assisting the victims' families.

The passengers were on their way to Karbala, Iraq, for the Arbaeen pilgrimage, an annual event commemorating Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Hussein. This pilgrimage is considered the largest annual public gathering globally.

(With inputs from agencies.)