At least 28 Pakistani pilgrims killed in Iran road accident

TEHRAN: At least 28 Pakistani pilgrims were killed and several others sustained injuries after a bus carrying pilgrims met with an accident in Yazd, Iran.

According to Iranian media reports, the ill-fated bus overturned and caught fire near Taftan-Dehshir check point.

A total of 53 passengers were on the bus, most of whom were from Larkana, Ghotki and other cities in Sindh.

“A bus carrying Pakistani pilgrims overturned and caught fire in front of Dehshir-Taft checkpoint in the central province of Yazd on Tuesday night,” Iran’s state TV reported.

“Unfortunately, 11 women and 17 men lost their lives in this accident. Seven of the injured people are in critical condition and six injured people have now left the hospital,” the crisis management director general of Yazd province told Iran’s state TV.

Pakistan’s consular services in Iran have been invited to Yazd province to follow up on the accident, the official added.

President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed his deep grief over the death of Pakistani pilgrims in a bus accident that took place in Iran.

The president prayed to Allah Almighty for peace for the departed souls, early recovery of the injured, and strength for the bereaved families to bear the loss.

He directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make arrangements to bring back the bodies at the earliest and ensure timely medical treatment to those injured in the incident.

Millions of Muslims are currently partaking in the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq’s Karbala Governorate. The event marks the 40th mourning following the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A).