At least 28 pilgrims from Pakistan martyred after bus crashes in Iran

A tragic bus accident in central Iran claimed the lives of at least 28 Shiite pilgrims from Pakistan, who were en route to Iraq for the Holy Arbaeen commemorations, Arab News reported yesterday.

The crash occurred late Tuesday night in Yazd province, with 51 passengers on board. Local emergency official Mohammad Ali Malekzadeh reported that 23 others sustained injuries, 14 of them seriously. Iranian state television attributed the incident to brake failure and driver inattention.

The pilgrims were traveling to honor the Holy Arbaeen of Imam al-Hussein, peace be upon him; an event that draws millions annually to Karbala as one of the largest public gatherings worldwide.

In a separate incident on Wednesday, another bus crash in Sistan and Baluchestan province resulted in six fatalities and 18 injuries. Iran’s traffic safety record is among the worst globally, with approximately 17,000 annual deaths attributed to reckless driving and inadequate vehicle safety.

It should be mentioned that those who lose their lives during the holy pilgrimage of Karbala have been promised immense rewards, guaranteed the Paradise and are titles as martyrs of the path of Ahl al-Bayt, peace be upon them.