A devastating accident on August 21, 2024 resulted in the death of 28 Pakistani pilgrims when their bus capsized in the central Iranian province of Yazd. The pilgrims were traveling to Karbala, Iraq, to participate in Arbaeen, a prominent religious event in Shia Islam.
The bus was ferrying 51 passengers, primarily from the southern Pakistan province of Sindh.
The incident, which also injured 23, underscores the persistent concerns about road safety in Iran, known for its poor traffic safety record.
While traversing the hilly roads in Yazd, the bus encountered a mechanical issue with its brakes, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle veered off the road, overturned, and subsequently caught fire.
An initial investigation by Iranian authorities indicates that the accident was worsened by the driver’s lack of experience with the route and the high speed of the bus. “The brake failure and the driver’s inexperience with the road were major factors in the accident,” a local traffic police official stated.
The crash claimed the lives of 11 women and 17 men, with 14 of the injured in grave condition. The deceased included individuals who had embarked on this pilgrimage as an act of deep faith.
The Pakistani government, via its consulate in Zahedan, Iran, is actively working to repatriate the bodies and provide necessary medical aid to the survivors. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a quick 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, marking the 40th day of mourning for Imam Hussein, the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson who was martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, is one of the largest annual gatherings in the world. It draws millions of Shia Muslims to Karbala, with many opting to travel by bus or on foot. However, the roads to Karbala, especially through Iran, are often dangerous, and accidents are frequent during this period.
With roughly 17,000 fatalities annually, Iran has one of the highest rates of traffic-related deaths worldwide. Factors contributing to these statistics include lax enforcement of traffic laws, unsafe vehicles, and insufficient emergency services in rural areas. Despite involvement from the United Nations in projects aimed at enhancing road safety in Iran, progress has been slow.
In response to the accident, the Iranian government conveyed its condolences to the Pakistani government and the victims’ families. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and are committed to ensuring that the survivors receive the best possible care,” a spokesperson from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
In the immediate aftermath of the crash, local authorities and emergency services swiftly arrived at the scene to assist the injured and recover the bodies. Consular officials from Pakistan were present to coordinate repatriation efforts and provide support to the affected families. The injured passengers were transported to nearby hospitals, with some requiring intensive care due to the severity of their injuries.
As investigations proceed, there is an increasing demand for stricter regulations and improved safety measures to prevent such future tragedies. The recurring nature of these incidents raises questions about the effectiveness of existing safety protocols and the need for stringent enforcement of vehicle safety standards, especially for long-distance travel on challenging terrains.
