In the northern part of Iraq, a road accident claimed the lives of 16 individuals. The incident occurred during the gathering of millions of people heading to Karbala for Arbaeen. The majority of the deceased were Shia Iranian pilgrims.
The Iraqi news agency, INA, citing the Director of Health Services in Salahuddin province, Khalid Barhan, reported that at least 13 individuals were also injured in the accident that happened between the cities of Dujail and Samarra.
Khalid Barhan did not provide details about the circumstances of the accident but mentioned that most of the deceased had come from Iran.
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In Salahuddin, a medical official, on the condition of anonymity, informed AFP that late Friday night, two passenger buses collided. Referring to eyewitness accounts, it is believed that one of the drivers fell asleep while driving the vehicle.
They reported a death toll of 18 individuals.
According to the figures released by the Ministry of Interior, since the start of Arbaeen this year, 260,000 pilgrims, most of whom are from Iran, have entered Iraq by road or air. This congregation marks the culmination of the 40-day mourning period for the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, which concludes on September 6 and 7.
