35 Pakistani pilgrims dead as Larkana-origin bus caught fire in Iran

A tragic bus accident in Iran has claimed the lives of 35 Pakistani pilgrims. An accident occurred near Yazd city when a coach carrying 53 pilgrims from Larkana crashed into a wall.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the bus caught fire following the collision, resulting in the deaths of 35 passengers. Additionally, 18 people were injured in the incident.

The channel reported that the Pakistani pilgrims' bus departed from Larkana, Sindh, and was going to pilgrimage sites in Iran. 

According to the Iranian media, the passengers who died in the accident included men, women, and children. 

The severity of the crash and subsequent fire led to significant casualties, with more than 20 people confirmed dead on the spot, while others fifteen died during treatment and were transferred to hospitals.

Three pilgrims are missing

Allama Zulfiqar Larak reported that five individuals from Khairpur were injured and three are missing in the Iran bus accident.
The injured include Mujahid Larak, Shoaib Larak, Jabir Abbasi, Anwar Manghnar, and Asif, all of whom are in contact.
Families report that contact with three missing pilgrims—Asif Sarki, Saddam Khaskheli, and Khuda Bakhsh Khaskheli—has been lost. They complained that Pakistani authorities were not cooperating with them to get information about the missing relatives.

Statement of pilgrims' convoy leader

The leader of the convoy, Syed Athar Shah Shamsi, informed the media that the pilgrims' convoy consisted of two buses, one of which was delayed at the Pakistan-Iran border crossing at Ramadan due to technical issues with passports and visas.

The convoy leader stayed back with the delayed bus, while his deputy, Asif Sarki, accompanied the bus that later met with the accident.

Convoy leader Shamsi said the tragic accident occurred in the Iranian city of Yazd due to a bus brake failure. He said the bus, carrying Pakistani pilgrims, overturned in front of the Dehshir Taftan checkpoint and caught fire.

He said the bus had 51 pilgrims and two drivers on board, and more than 25 deaths have been confirmed so far. Among the deceased, 10 were from Khairpur Mir’s district, 6 from Kandhkot Kashmore, and the rest from Larkana, he added.

Shamsi said the ill-fated bus had earlier experienced battery failures, and its generator was also malfunctioning.

Pak Ambassador Mudassir Tipu provides details on bus accident

Pakistani Ambassador to Iran, Mudassir Tipu, shared the tragic details of a bus accident in Yazd, where 51 passengers were on board.
He said the accident was caused by overspeeding, leading to brake failure, and the bus subsequently crashed into a school wall. Sadly, 28 Pakistani citizens lost their lives, and 23 others were injured, with many in critical condition.
Ambassador Tipu assured that the Pakistani Embassy acted promptly upon receiving the news, establishing emergency contact with Iranian authorities, including the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the local government of Yazd.
He said efforts are underway to provide all possible assistance to the injured, with Pakistani diplomatic officials dispatched from Tehran to aid in their care.

President grieved over death of Pakistani pilgrims

President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday expressed his deep grief over the death of Pakistani pilgrims in a bus accident that took place in Iran.
The president prayed to Allah Almighty for peace for the departed souls, early recovery of the injured, and strength for the bereaved families to bear the loss.
He directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make arrangements to bring back the bodies at the earliest and ensure timely medical treatment to those injured in the incident.

PM saddened over death of Pakistani pilgrims

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his deep grief over the loss of lives in a bus accident carrying Pakistani pilgrims in Yazd, Iran. “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives at a bus accident of Pakistani Zaireen near Yazd in Iran. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest,” he said in a statement.
The prime minister directed Pakistan’s embassy in Tehran to extend all possible assistance to the affected families and ensure medical treatment of the injured. He also asked the embassy to make arrangements for a swift repatriation of the dead bodies of the pilgrims to Pakistan.

Mohsin Naqvi's heartfelt grief over Pakistanis pilgrims' death

Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi expressed profound grief over the death of 35 Pakistani pilgrims in the Yazd bus accident. He offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured.

"The loss of precious lives in this tragic accident is deeply saddening. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and the injured," said Mohsin Naqvi. He also prayed for patience and strength for the families of the deceased.

CM Sindh expresses grief over accident

Sindh CM expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the road accident in Yazd, Iran. He extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident.
He instructed Provincial Minister Nasir Shah to assist the affected families in Iran. CM Murad Ali Shah directed the Chief Secretary to coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the repatriation of bodies. He also instructed the Chief Secretary to arrange travel facilities for the return of the injured.

Bilawal Bhutto expresses deep sadness over bus accident

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expresses deep sadness over the tragic loss of lives in the accident involving Pakistani pilgrims in Iran.
"My heart is heavy with sorrow for the precious lives lost in this tragic accident," says Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. He shares his condolences with the families who lost their loved ones in the accident.
Urges the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Pakistani Embassy officials in Tehran to stay in contact with the affected families. Bilawal expressed hope that the authorities would fulfil their responsibilities in repatriating the bodies of the deceased.
He also emphasised the importance of ensuring proper medical treatment for the injured Pakistanis in Iran. The PPP Chairman offered prayers for the deceased, asking for their souls' elevation in the afterlife.

CM Maryam expresses condolences

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the Larkana-Iran bus accident. She extended her condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured. "We stand with the affected families in this time of grief," said Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

Ch Salik expresses deep sorrow over bus accident

The Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, expressed deep sorrow over the bus accident involving Pakistani pilgrims in Iran. 
He expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and shared their grief in this difficult time. The minister also prayed for the deceased and wished for the swift recovery of the injured.

Reporters: Abdul Khaliq Mugheri, Awais Kiyani, Anwar Abbas, Usman Khan,