A bus carrying Pakistani pilgrims met with a fatal accident when it overturned in the city of Yazd in Iran, resulting in the death of over 32 passengers.

The ill-fated bus was part of a convoy transporting 51 Shia pilgrims, along with two drivers, from various regions of Pakistan, including Larkana, Khairpur Mirs, and Kandhkot.

Muhammad Ali Malekzadeh, a local emergency official, said another 23 people suffered injuries in the crash, 14 of them serious, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.

According to the convoy leader, Syed Athar Shah Shamsi, the accident occurred on Tuesday night due to an alleged brake failure, leading the bus to crash and catching fire. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue, with many of the survivors in critical condition.

Among the deceased, 10 pilgrims hailed from Khairpur Mirs and six from Kandhkot, while the remaining victims were residents of Larkana. The convoy consisted of two buses, one of which was stuck in the Pakistan-Iran border area in Ramadan due to a technical problem in the visa, Shamsi said.

The pilgrims had been on their way to Iraq to commemorate Arbaeen, which marks the chehlum of the Karbala martyrs. Pilgrims gather in Karbala, Iraq, in what’s regarded as the largest annual public gathering in the world.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed profound grief over the loss of precious lives in the accident. In his statement, President Zardari conveyed his regret over the tragedy and prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased.

He also offered prayers for patience for the bereaved families. The president directed the Foreign Ministry to take immediate steps to bring the bodies of the deceased back to Pakistan and to provide timely assistance to the injured.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also expressed deep sorrow and regret over the incident. In his message, Naqvi extended his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the deceased pilgrims. He prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident and expressed his deep sadness over the loss of precious human lives.

Naqvi emphasized that all his sympathies were with the families of the victims, and he assured them that he shares in their grief.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also expressed sorrow over the tragic deaths of the Pakistani pilgrims. Maryam extended her sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.

She assured the affected families that the Punjab government stands with them in this hour of sorrow, offering support and solidarity.