6 dead in Kirkuk traffic accident

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The death toll in a car accident in Kirkuk has risen to six after two of the wounded succumbed to their injuries.

The spokesperson for the province’s health directorate confirmed four deaths and said three others were injured. The victims of the accident range in age from 24 to 67 years old, Saman Yaba told Rudaw. The three injured are in critical condition, he added. 

Two of the injured later died in hospital, Rudaw has learned. 

The deadly collision occurred when a car lost control and crashed into a truck.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident. 

Car accidents are a common occurrence in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, where years of war, neglect, and corruption have affected its infrastructure. Roads are often riddled with potholes and lack proper illumination, making it difficult to see when driving at night.

At least 40 people were injured and several were killed in a devastating traffic accident last month in Iraq’s southern Basra province during the million-person Arbaeen pilgrimage, one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.

Updated at 12:57 pm