At least 28 Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq for an Islamic religious ritual lost their lives when their bus crashed in central Iran, according to state media reports early Wednesday. The accident occurred when the bus overturned and caught fire near the Dehshir-Taft checkpoint in Yazd province on Tuesday night.
“So far, 28 people have been confirmed dead, and 23 others injured, with the death toll possibly rising,” the state TV reported.
Pakistan’s consular services in Iran have been called to Yazd province to assist with the aftermath of the accident, officials said.
Millions of Shi’ite Muslims are currently participating in the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq’s Karbala Governorate. This event commemorates the 40th day of mourning following the martyrdom of Imam Hussein bin Ali, a revered figure in Shi’ite Islam and the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
