A tragic accident claimed the lives of 28 Pakistani pilgrims as their bus overturned in the central Iranian province of Yazd on the night of August 20, 2024.
The pilgrims were en route to Karbala, Iraq to observe Arbaeen, one of the most significant religious events in Shia Islam.
The bus was carrying 51 passengers, most of whom were residents of Sindh province in southern Pakistan.
The accident, which also left 23 others injured, highlights the ongoing concerns about road safety in Iran, a country with a notably poor traffic safety record.
The bus, which was navigating the steep roads of Yazd, encountered a technical failure in its braking system, leading to the driver losing control. The vehicle swerved off the road, overturned, and subsequently caught fire.
According to a preliminary investigation by Iranian authorities, the accident was exacerbated by the driver’s lack of familiarity with the route, as well as the high speed at which the bus was traveling. “The brake failure and the driver’s inexperience with the road were major factors in the accident,” a local traffic police official stated.
The victims of the crash included 11 women and 17 men, with 14 of the injured in critical condition. Among the deceased were individuals who had embarked on this pilgrimage as an act of deep faith, only to have their journey end in tragedy.
The Pakistani government, through its consulate in Zahedan, Iran, has been actively working to repatriate the bodies and provide necessary medical assistance to the survivors. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery. “We mourn the loss of our brothers and sisters who embarked on a sacred journey but met with an untimely death,” the Prime Minister said in a public statement.
The Arbaeen pilgrimage is one of the largest annual gatherings in the world, with millions of Shia Muslims traveling to Karbala to commemorate the 40th day of mourning for Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. This religious event attracts pilgrims from around the globe, with many choosing to travel long distances by bus or on foot to reach the holy city. However, the roads leading to Karbala, particularly through Iran, are often treacherous, and accidents are not uncommon during this period.
Iran has one of the highest rates of traffic-related fatalities globally, with approximately 17,000 people dying in road accidents each year. Factors contributing to these statistics include poor enforcement of traffic laws, unsafe vehicles, and inadequate emergency services in rural areas. The United Nations has been involved in projects aimed at improving road safety in Iran, but progress has been slow.
In response to the accident, the Iranian government expressed its condolences to the Pakistani government and the families of the victims. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and are committed to ensuring that the survivors receive the best possible care,” said a spokesperson from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The immediate aftermath of the crash saw local authorities and emergency services rushing to the scene to assist the injured and recover the bodies of the deceased. The consular officials from Pakistan were on-site to coordinate the repatriation efforts and provide support to the affected families. The injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals, with some requiring intensive care due to the severity of their injuries.
As investigations continue, there is a growing call for stricter regulations and better safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The recurring nature of these incidents has raised questions about the effectiveness of current safety protocols and the need for more rigorous enforcement of vehicle safety standards, particularly for long-distance travel on challenging terrains.
