A devastating accident occurred on September 2 as a bus carrying Shiite pilgrims to the holy city of Karbala overturned north of Baghdad, leaving 18 people dead and several others injured. The victims included 10 Iranians, two Iraqis (the bus driver and his son), and six individuals of unknown nationality. This heartbreaking incident has cast a shadow over the annual Shiite pilgrimage of Arbaeen, which draws millions of faithful devotees from various parts of Iraq, Iran, and Gulf countries.
Arbaeen is widely regarded as the largest annual public gathering in the world, where pilgrims converge on the holy city of Karbala to commemorate the 40th day of mourning following the tragic death of Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Hussein, during the Battle of Karbala in the seventh century. Pilgrims often travel long distances, some even on foot, to participate in this significant religious event.
The ill-fated bus accident occurred near the town of Balad, approximately 90 kilometers north of Baghdad. Medical officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media, confirmed the tragic loss of life. The victims included 15 men and three women, all of whom were on their way to join the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
The incident has led to an outpouring of grief and condolences from religious leaders, politicians, and citizens alike. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani was personally overseeing the entry of Iranian pilgrims into Iraq via the Shalamcheh border crossing on the same day as the accident. During the visit, he, along with Iranian Vice President Mohammad Mokhber, laid the foundation stone for a significant railway project aimed at improving transportation between the two neighboring countries.
The tragic bus accident serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges associated with the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage, where safety and logistics remain a concern for organizers and authorities. Efforts to enhance the infrastructure and safety measures for pilgrims are crucial in preventing such devastating incidents in the future.
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