Iran Press/ Middle East: A bus carrying football fans from "Dhi Qar" Governorate to Basra collided with a truck on Monday, resulting in at least seven dead and 30 others injured, according to a statement by Dhi Qar’s health directorate.
The accident occurred due to the dense fog that is clouding the province at the moment.
Passengers were transported to "Souq Al-Shuyukh public hospital to receive treatment.
Head of the Iraqi football federation Adnan Darjal expressed in a statement his solace and condolences to the families of the victims.
The Iraqi national team goes face-to-face with its Qatari counterpart in the tournament’s semifinals today.
Meanwhile, local media reports indicated more casualties. Some sources reported at least 15 people were killed in the incident.
The tournament, held in Iraq’s southern city of Basra, began earlier this month with eight teams in the prestigious competition. The only time Iraq hosted the competition was in 1979, from which the Iraqi team emerged victorious.
Car accidents are a common occurrence in Iraq, especially during times of holidays, religious ceremonies, and special events.
In September, a minivan carrying Iranian pilgrims in Babil exploded after colliding with a fuel truck, killing at least 11 passengers.
The pilgrims were attending Arbaeen, a Shiite ritual marking the end of a 40-day mourning period for the death of the Shiite leader and grandson of the Prophet Mohammed, Imam Hussein, in 680 AD.
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