ISLAMABAD: A tragic bus accident in Yazd, Iran, resulted in the deaths of at least 28 Pakistani pilgrims and injured 23 others, according to Pakistan’s envoy to Tehran. The incident occurred on Tuesday night when the bus overturned at the Dehshir-Taftan checkpoint and subsequently caught fire.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mudassir Tipu, confirmed the fatalities and injuries in a statement posted on X. The pilgrims were en route to Iraq for the Arbaeen commemoration, marking the 40th day of mourning for Imam Husain.
Iran’s Mehr Agency reported that the crash left 14 of the injured in critical condition. Six have been discharged, while the remaining are being treated in hospitals across Abarkuh, Taft, and Yazd. The deceased include 11 women and 17 men.
The Yazd Governorate, in coordination with Iran’s foreign ministry, is arranging for the repatriation of the deceased and the injured to Pakistan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mofa) has activated its Crisis Management Unit to oversee these arrangements. Mofa has tasked the Consul of Pakistan in Zahedan with managing the situation on the ground and coordinating medical and repatriation efforts.
Pakistani officials, including the Ambassador in Tehran and the Consul in Zahedan, are in constant contact with Iranian authorities to expedite the recovery and repatriation processes. The Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, expressed his condolences and assured that necessary services and support would be provided.
State-run Radio Pakistan initially reported higher casualties, attributing the accident to brake failure. The majority of the victims were from Sindh, particularly from Larkana and Ghotki.
In response to the tragedy, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed their sorrow and instructed the Pakistani mission in Tehran to assist the affected families. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has emphasized the need for swift medical relief and repatriation.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also expressed his condolences and directed provincial authorities to assist the affected families and facilitate the repatriation of the bodies.
PPP Senator Sherry Rehman and other officials have offered their sympathies and support to the bereaved families during this difficult time.
