At least 28 Pakistani pilgrims killed, 23 injured in Iran bus crash

At least 28 Pakistani pilgrims were killed and 23 others injured after a bus overturned in the Iranian city of Yazd, confirmed the country’s envoy to Tehran.

The bus was en route to Karbala, Iraq with 53 passengers on board. Initial police probe suggests the accident occurred due to brake failure. The vehicle caught fire after it overturned near a checkpost.

Most pilgrims belonged to Larkana, Ghotki, and other cities of Sindh province. They were heading to Karbala to partake in Arbaeen - an annual religious event for Shiite Muslims.

In a thread on X, Ambassador Mudassir assured of doing everything to repatriate those who lost their lives in the tragic accident.

“Embassy officials have already left for Yazd, almost 700 km away from embassy, this morning. An officer in Zahedan is overseeing emergency arrangements,” he added.

Al Jazeera reported that Yazd's crisis management director general, Ali Malekzadeh, speaking to state TV, stated: “Unfortunately, 11 women and 17 men lost their lives in this accident. Seven of the injured are in critical condition, and six have now been discharged from the hospital.”

Of the 23 people injured, six have been discharged while seven are in critical condition, he said.

State officials extend condolences

In a post shared by his party on X, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over the incident and prayed for those who lost their lives.

He directed the foreign ministry to aid the repatriation efforts of the deceased and ensure timely treatment for all injured.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif also expressed his sorrow over the tragic deaths. "My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest. I have directed our Mission in Tehran to extend all possible assistance to the affected families," he added.

Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also extended condolences to the bereaved families. He said he was “gravely concerned about the safety and welfare of injured pilgrims”.

Pakistan’s ambassador in Tehran was instructed to determine the situation and ensure “swift medical relief and recovery services as well as arrange repatriation of the bodies to Pakistan”.

Dar said the embassy was in constant touch with authorities in Yazd city.

The pilgrims were heading to Iraq to partake in the annual religious event of Arbaeen. The day marks the 40^th day of mourning for the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) grandson Imam Hussain (AS). He was martyred in the city of Karbala in 680 AD.