A tragic accident in central Iran claimed the lives of 11 passengers and left 24 others injured when a bus overturned on the Saveh–Hamedan freeway in Markazi province, state television reported Saturday.

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Provincial traffic police said the crash was caused by driver fatigue and drowsiness, a recurring issue on long‑haul routes across the country. The bus, carrying dozens of passengers, lost control and flipped, leaving a trail of devastation on one of Iran’s busiest highways.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Authorities confirmed that several victims remain in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could rise.

The incident has reignited concerns over road safety standards in Iran, where fatigue, speeding, and poor vehicle maintenance are often cited as leading causes of accidents. Officials have promised a thorough investigation and renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent similar tragedies.

Families of the victims gathered at hospitals and police stations, demanding accountability and improved safety measures for public transport. The crash underscores the urgent need for reforms in Iran’s transport sector, where accidents continue to claim hundreds of lives annually.