Deadly Bus Accident in Iran’s Lorestan Province
Tragedy Strikes in Western Iran
At least 10 people were killed on Saturday when a bus plunged into a ravine in Iran’s western Lorestan province, state media reported. The incident has sent shockwaves across the country, highlighting the country’s poor road safety record.
Rescue Efforts Underway
"Aid and rescue teams have been dispatched to the area," Mohammad Ghadami, the provincial head of the Red Crescent Society, told state TV. The rescue teams are working tirelessly to evacuate the survivors and recover the bodies of the deceased.
Location and Context
Lorestan is situated around 350 kilometres (220 miles) southwest of the capital Tehran. The province is known for its natural beauty, with mountains, forests, and rivers. However, the region’s rugged terrain can be treacherous, making it prone to accidents.
Iran’s Road Safety Crisis
Iran has a poor road safety record, with more than 20,000 deaths in accidents recorded between March 2023 and March 2024, according to local media citing the Iranian judiciary’s Forensic Medicine Organisation. The country has been plagued by a high number of road accidents, with many resulting in fatalities.
Recent Incidents
In August, at least 28 Pakistani pilgrims en route to Iraq for a Muslim religious ritual were killed when their bus crashed in central Iran. In June 2004, more than 70 people died in a massive fire caused by a collision between a gasoline tanker and a bus in Iran’s southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan. The truck collided at night with the bus, which was stopped near a police station, setting six buses and five trucks ablaze in a radius of about 50 metres.
Conclusion
The recent accident in Lorestan province serves as a grim reminder of the importance of prioritizing road safety in Iran. The country’s authorities must take immediate action to address the root causes of these accidents and improve road infrastructure to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where did the accident occur?
- The accident occurred in Iran’s western Lorestan province.
- How many people were killed?
- At least 10 people were killed in the accident.
- What is the current situation on the ground?
- Aid and rescue teams are working to evacuate survivors and recover bodies.
- What is Iran’s road safety record like?
- Iran has a poor road safety record, with over 20,000 deaths in accidents recorded between March 2023 and March 2024.