ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - At least 21 people were killed and 19 others injured after a bus carrying Shiite pilgrims collided with a fuel tanker and caught fire in Iraq’s southern Dhi Qar province, local officials told Rudaw on Sunday.
The accident occurred on a main road in Bathaa district, where the bus burst into flames following the collision.
In a statement, the office of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said he is “closely and continuously following… the tragic traffic accident,” describing it as an incident that “resulted in dozens of casualties and injuries among our fellow citizens from Basra.”
The statement added that the prime minister has “directed the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of this tragic incident” and “provide urgent care to the wounded and injured.”
Iraq's Civil Defense said emergency crews extinguished the fire and recovered nine bodies by 6:00 p.m., adding that the Ministry of Health would announce the final death toll.
Speaking to Rudaw from Dhi Qar Emergency Hospital after the civil defense’s statement, Ahmed Ibrahimi, spokesperson and member of the Dhi Qar Provincial Council, said earlier: "So far, the deaths of 15 people have been confirmed. They are Iraqis from Basra. Nineteen others were injured, including 10 who suffered burns and are receiving medical treatment. Two of the injured were Iranian pilgrims."
Iraq's Civil Defense media director Nawas Sabah Shakir told Rudaw that the bus was carrying pilgrims traveling from Najaf and Karbala to Basra when the accident occurred. Some of the victims have been identified as Iranian pilgrims.
Traffic accidents remain a persistent challenge on Iraq's highways, with officials frequently citing speeding, poor road conditions, and vehicle safety issues as contributing factors.
The accident comes as Shiite pilgrims travel to religious shrines in Najaf and Karbala to mark Eid al-Ghadir.
Eid al-Ghadir is a Shiite holiday commemorating the Prophet Muhammad's appointment of Ali bin Abi Talib as his successor in 632. Shiites consider Ali the first imam and rightful heir to the Prophet.
Last updated at 10:12 pm
