Bus collision with tanker kills 21 pilgrims in southern Iraq

A bus carrying pilgrims collided with a tanker truck in southern Iraq's Dhi Qar province on Sunday, killing at least 21 people and injuring 19 others. The accident occurred on the road connecting Dhi Qar and Basra, where the bus crashed into the truck and subsequently caught fire.

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At least 21 pilgrims died and 19 were injured this Sunday when the bus transporting them collided with a tanker truck in the province of Di Qar, in southern Iraq.

The bus was transporting a group of pilgrims returning from visits to the holy cities of Karbala and Basra, significant sites for Shia Muslims, who form the majority in Iraq and Iran. While the bus carried Iranian pilgrims, most were residents of Basra province returning home after completing their religious rites.

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I am following the evolution of the situation and am in constant contact with the local authorities of Di Qar to personally supervise the response to the accident.

Injured individuals were taken to local hospitals for treatment. Emergency teams responded to the scene to extinguish the fire and conduct rescue operations. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi stated he was monitoring the situation and in constant contact with local authorities. He ordered an investigation into the crash's causes and promised full assistance to those affected and the victims' families.

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an investigation to clarify the causes of the accident will be opened, and that all necessary assistance will be provided to the affected and the families of the victims.