35 Pakistani pilgrims perish, 18 injured as bus overturns in Iran
Pakistan
Police and rescue officials shift the bodies and the injured to hospital
Preliminary probe says the accident was caused by technical defect in the bus braking system
Pakistani media report the passengers belonged to Larkana, Ghotki and other cities of Sindh
IRAN (Dunya News / Reuters) – A bus carrying Pakistani pilgrims overturned in central Iran, killing at least 35 and injuring 18 others, state media reported on Wednesday.
Initially, there was ambiguity about the number of deaths as some sources put it at 28. The bus was carrying 53 pilgrims and met with the accident near Taftan-Dehshir check point. The bus caught fire after being overturned.
The accident took place late on Tuesday in the central Iranian province of Yazd and was caused by a technical defect in the bus braking system, according to preliminary investigation conducted by the Iranian traffic police.
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"Unfortunately, the dead included 11 women. 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 state TV.
"Pakistan's consular services in Iran have been asked to visit Yazd province to follow up on the accident, the official added.
Millions of Shi'ite Muslims are currently partaking in the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq's Karbala Governorate.
The event marks the 40th day of mourning following the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA).
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Meanwhile, Pakistan media reported that the passengers belonged to Larkana, Ghotki and other cities of Sindh.
CONDOLENCES
President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed grief over the loss of precious lives in Iran's Yazd province.
The president directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide assistance to the injured. He also ordered expeditious return of bodies back to Pakistan.
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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also expressed her grief over the tragedy.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Omar Ayub also expressed condolences and prayed for the speedy recovery of the wounded pilgrims.
