At least 21 people have been killed and 19 others injured after a passenger bus caught fire following a road accident near the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah, according to local authorities.
Citing police and health officials, Reuters reported on Monday that the tragedy occurred on Sunday afternoon when the driver of the bus reportedly lost control while traveling along a busy highway. The vehicle overturned and subsequently burst into flames, with the fire spreading rapidly through the bus.
Rescue teams and security personnel rushed to the scene and worked to recover victims and assist survivors. The bodies of those killed were transferred to local hospital morgues, while the injured were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Health officials in Nasiriyah said several of the injured suffered severe burns over large portions of their bodies, raising concerns that the death toll could rise further.
Following the incident, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani ordered the formation of a high-level investigation committee to determine the cause of the crash and identify any responsibility. Authorities have been instructed to submit a report as quickly as possible.
Police said investigators are examining the circumstances that led the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Fatal road accidents remain a persistent challenge in Iraq, where poor road conditions, excessive speeding and weak enforcement of traffic regulations have long contributed to a high number of traffic-related deaths.
Source: Reuters