A devastating bus collision in Iraq’s central province of Salahudin has claimed the lives of 18 people and injured 15 others. The accident occurred on Friday night, as two buses carrying Shiite pilgrims collided on a main road near the town of Balad, some 80 km north of Baghdad.
Among the victims, 10 are of Iranian nationality, and two are Iraqis. The remaining victims have yet to be identified. All of the injured individuals are of Iranian origin.
Preliminary investigations by the local police indicate that the accident was caused by excessive speed and one of the drivers losing control of the steering wheel.
The tragedy comes as thousands of Iranian pilgrims are making their way to the holy Shiite city of Karbala, located approximately 110 km south of Baghdad, to observe the Arbaeen religious ritual. Arbaeen marks the culmination of 40 days of mourning for Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who tragically perished in the Battle of Karbala in 680 A.D. Pilgrims traditionally visit the Al-Askari Shrine in Samarra and other sacred sites across Iraq as part of their pilgrimage to Karbala.
This heartbreaking incident has cast a pall over the pilgrimage and serves as a poignant reminder of the need for enhanced safety measures on Iraq’s roads during this solemn period.
(Information received from various sources)
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
