BAGHDAD — At least 21 people were killed and several more injured when a passenger bus rolled over and caught fire near the southern city of Nassiriya on Sunday, rollover, authorities said.
In a statement, the Iraqi health ministry said 21 people died and 19 others were injured in the accident on the Nasiriyah-Basra highway. The victims included Iranians visting Iraq.
The accident occurred after the driver lost control of the bus on the road near Nassiriya, causing the vehicle to overturn and burst into flames, officials said.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi ordered an investigation into the causes of the crash and directed authorities to submit a report on the circumstances surrounding the accident, his office said.
Police and medical officials said 21 people were confirmed dead at the scene and in hospital.
Most of the injured were in critical condition and suffering from severe burns, health officials said.
Footage circulating online depicted large plumes of smoke rising into the air, engulfing the bus and its surroundings, with locals swarming the dual highway, observing the aftermath of the accident.
Photos released after the fire was extinguished show the victims’ bodies covered in cloth and lined up on the side of the road near the accident site, which was littered with debris from the explosion.
Al-Zaidi offered his condolences “to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
President Nizar Amedi expressed his symapthies for those affected by the tragedy and stressed that “preserving the lives and safety of citizens is a national responsibility and a top priority.”
Road accidents are common in Iraq, where speeding, poor road conditions and inadequate enforcement of traffic regulations contribute to a high number of fatalities each year.
At least 870 people were killed in nearly 5,000 car accidents across Iraq in 2024, a significant decrease from the previous years, according to Iraq’s interior ministry.
Source: Saudi Gazette