Iraq
Aftermath of the car accident on the road between Dhi Qar and Basra on January 16, 2023. Photo: Iraqi State Media
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A bus carrying football fans from Dhi Qar to Basra collided with a truck on Monday, resulting in at least six dead and 22 others injured, according to a statement by Dhi Qar’s health directorate.
Dhi Qar Deputy Governor Faisal al-Sharifi told Rudaw that the accident occurred due to the dense fog that is clouding the province at the moment.
The Iraq Football Association extended their condolences to the families of the victims, who were en route to attend the national team’s contest against Qatar in the semi-finals of the 25th Gulf Cup.
The tournament, held in Iraq’s southern city of Basra, began earlier this month with eight teams from the Gulf taking part in the prestigious competition. The only time Iraq hosted the Gulf Cup was in 1979, from which the Iraqi team emerged victorious.
The Iraqi national team seeks to reach the final round of the regional tournament for the first time in 10 years when they play Qatar later in the day. The winner of Iraq vs Qatar will strike a bout with the winner of Oman vs Bahrain in the final of the 25th Gulf Cup, which is set to take place in Basra International Stadium on Thursday.
Dhi Qar Deputy Governor Faisal al-Sharifi told Rudaw that the accident occurred due to the dense fog that is clouding the province at the moment.
The Iraq Football Association extended their condolences to the families of the victims, who were en route to attend the national team’s contest against Qatar in the semi-finals of the 25th Gulf Cup.
The tournament, held in Iraq’s southern city of Basra, began earlier this month with eight teams from the Gulf taking part in the prestigious competition. The only time Iraq hosted the Gulf Cup was in 1979, from which the Iraqi team emerged victorious.
The Iraqi national team seeks to reach the final round of the regional tournament for the first time in 10 years when they play Qatar later in the day. The winner of Iraq vs Qatar will strike a bout with the winner of Oman vs Bahrain in the final of the 25th Gulf Cup, which is set to take place in Basra International Stadium on Thursday.
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.
Despite the country’s constant state of political instability and disunity, the Iraqi population’s special connection to the sport of football has managed to unify the people at times of major regional and international tournaments, coming to the support of the national team regardless of their humble results.
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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