28 Pakistani pilgrims dead, several injured in bus accident in Iran’s Yazd

TEHRAN: At least 28 people were killed and 23 others seriously injured when a bus carrying Pakistani pilgrims crashed in Yazd, Iran, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran Mudassir Tipu confirmed on Wednesday.

The bus, which had 53 passengers on board, overturned and caught fire near the Taftan-Dehshir checkpoint last night. Police and rescue teams quickly arrived at the scene and transported the casualties to the hospital.

Moreover, Maulana Shah Murad Sharifi, a Qom seminary student from Larkana, mentioned that the pilgrims’ convoy included two buses, each carrying about 52 passengers. He noted that aside from five to six people with minor injuries, most of the passengers from the affected bus were in critical condition and receiving treatment at a local government hospital.

Sharifi also indicated that he had heard reports suggesting the bus’s brakes failed before the accident occurred.

Irna, the news agency quoted Ali Malekzadeh, the crisis management chief of Yazd province, as stating that 14 of the injured were in critical condition.

He noted that six of the wounded had been discharged from the hospital, while the remaining patients were receiving treatment at various facilities in Abarkuh, Taft, and Yazd.

Malekzadeh also reported that the deceased included 11 women and 17 men. He mentioned that the Yazd Governorate, in coordination with the Iranian foreign ministry, was organizing an aircraft to transport the injured and deceased back to Pakistan.

According to the reports, most of the passengers belonged to Larkana, Ghotki, and other cities of Sindh.

‘Authorities activated to repatriate deceased’

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan has activated its Crisis Management Unit to provide support to these efforts and facilitate the repatriation of the dead bodies.

“We express our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of Pakistani pilgrims who lost their lives in a tragic road accident in the Yazd city in Iran,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.

Islamabad said that the Ambassador of Pakistan in Tehran and our Consul in Zahidan are in contact with the Iranian authorities in Tehran and Zahidan to expedite the recovery and repatriation of the dead bodies and facilitate medical treatment of the injured.

Pakistan’s envoy to Iran expressed his grief in a message on social media stating that he does not have words to express his grief, adding that he will make sure to do anything possible for the repatriation of those who passed away.

Condolences pour in

Expressing his grief over the accident, President Asif Ali Zardari directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to repatriate the dead and provide timely aid to the injured.

The President expressed his regret over the loss of precious lives,” said a statement issued by his party, the PPP, on social media platform X. He further prayed for the deceased.

Taking on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was “deeply saddened by the loss of lives”.

Praying for the bereaved families and the speedy recovery of the injured, PM Shehbaz said he has directed Pakistan’s Mission in Tehran to extend all possible assistance to the affected families.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also conveyed his profound sadness on X, expressing condolences for the bereaved families and wishing for the swift recovery of the injured. He has directed Pakistan’s Mission in Tehran to offer all possible support to the affected families.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed deep concern for the injured and condolences to the families of the deceased. He instructed the Pakistani Ambassador in Tehran to ensure swift medical relief and arrange the repatriation of bodies. The embassy is in constant contact with Yazd authorities, and Dar thanked the Iranian government for their support.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani expressed sympathy to Pakistan and its affected families, noting that Iranian authorities are actively providing relief and treatment.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also expressed regret and directed Provincial Minister Nasir Shah to assist the affected families and coordinate with the Iranian Consul General and the foreign ministry for the repatriation of bodies. He emphasized arranging travel for the pilgrims and ensuring top medical care for the injured.

PPP Senator Sherry Rehman offered her condolences to the victims’ families and wished them strength during this difficult time.