A tragic bus crash in central Iran has resulted in the loss of at least 28 lives, with another 23 individuals sustaining injuries, 14 of them serious. The incident occurred in the province of Yazd, as a bus carrying Shiite pilgrims from Pakistan to Iraq veered off the road outside the city of Taft. The passengers, all hailing from Pakistan, were on their way to Iraq to commemorate Arbaeen, a significant event in Shiite Islam.
Authorities have attributed the crash to the failure of the bus brakes and negligence on the part of the driver. The scene of the accident was described as chaotic, with the bus overturned on the highway, its roof caved in, and doors flung open. Rescue efforts were underway amidst the debris and shattered glass strewn across the road.
This tragic incident adds to Iran's concerning traffic safety record, with an estimated 17,000 deaths annually. Factors such as non-compliance with traffic regulations, substandard vehicles, and inadequate emergency services in rural areas contribute to the high number of road fatalities in the country.
Meanwhile, a separate bus crash in Iran's southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province claimed the lives of six individuals and left 18 others injured. The back-to-back accidents underscore the importance of road safety measures and vigilance among drivers and passengers alike.
Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected by these devastating crashes, as authorities work to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incidents and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
