At least 28 Pakistani pilgrims lost their lives, and 23 others were injured in a bus crash in Yazd, Iran, on Tuesday night, confirmed Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mudassir Tipu, on Wednesday.
The tragic accident occurred as the pilgrims were on a religious journey through Iran, heading to Iraq for the Arbaeen commemoration, which marks 40 days of mourning for Imam Husain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The bus overturned at the Dehshir-Taftan checkpoint in Yazd and then caught fire, as reported by Iran’s Mehr Agency.
According to Tipu, the deceased included 11 women and 17 men. Ali Malekzadeh, the crisis management chief in Yazd province, said 14 of the injured are in critical condition, with six others already discharged from the hospital. The remaining injured are receiving treatment in hospitals across Abarkuh, Taft, and Yazd.
In response to the incident, the Yazd Governorate, in coordination with Iran’s foreign ministry, is arranging for an aircraft to transport the injured and deceased back to Pakistan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in Pakistan has activated its Crisis Management Unit to help with the repatriation of the deceased. The ministry expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and announced that Pakistan’s Consul in Zahidan has been instructed to reach the site and assess the situation. The consul will also coordinate with local authorities to provide medical relief to the injured and arrange for the return of the bodies, most of whom are from Sindh province.
Ambassador Mudassir Tipu expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and assured that efforts are underway to repatriate the deceased and assist the injured. He mentioned that embassy officials had already departed for Yazd, which is approximately 700 kilometers from Tehran, to oversee emergency arrangements.
Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, also confirmed the deaths and extended his heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families. He assured that he was in constant contact with relevant Iranian authorities to ensure the injured receive the necessary medical care and that the bodies are returned to Pakistan swiftly.
Pakistan’s Embassy in Iran shared contact details for officials available to provide further information about the accident, including Ahmad Shami (+92 3134556593 on WhatsApp), Aftab Butt (+92 3004166896), and Siddique (+98 9046145412).
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his grief over the tragedy. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and instructed Pakistan’s Mission in Tehran to assist the affected families.
