Bus accident kills 17 in Iraq

HILLA - At least 17 people were killed and 54 injured, mostly Iranian pilgrims, when two buses collided Friday in Iraq, security sources said.

One of the buses was carrying Iranian pilgrims who were heading for the holy Shiite city of Najaf to visit the Imam Ali Holy Shrine, the tomb of the Prophet Mohammed’s cousin Ali.

The accident took place on the Hilla-Najaf road, sources added.

Najaf city lies around 160 km south of Baghdad.

Shiites pilgrims, mostly Iranians, come from outside Iraq to visit shrines and mosques and revive their sacred religious events.