Publish Date: 4 May 2009 - 19:15

ILAM, May. 4 (MNA) – A bus crashed into a residential building in western Ilam province on Monday killing 29 pilgrims on their way to visit holy sites in Iraq, according to Kermanshah province Hajj and Pilgrimage organization director.

Brake failure caused the accident, Reza Najafian told the Mehr News Agency.

 

Najafian also said of the nine persons injured two are in critical condition.

 

Police said the vehicle had been traveling at a high speed and had mechanical problems.

 

Iran has one of the highest road accident death tolls in the world. More than 25,000 people are killed in road accidents every year.

 

SL/PA

END

MNA