At least 21 people were killed and 19 others injured when a passenger bus overturned and burst into flames near the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah, according to local authorities.
Officials said the accident occurred on a highway near Nasiriyah when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn. The crash was immediately followed by a fire that engulfed the bus, trapping passengers inside.
Iraqi police and medical sources confirmed that 21 victims were pronounced dead at the scene and in hospitals, while 19 injured passengers are receiving treatment. Health officials added that most of the injured are in critical condition with severe burn wounds.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi has ordered a full investigation into the incident and directed authorities to submit a detailed report on the circumstances surrounding the deadly crash.
