Iraq reports zero accidents during Karbala Ashura pilgrimage despite 198,000 vehicles

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's General Traffic Directorate said 198,047 vehicles entered the holy city of Karbala during this year's Ashura pilgrimage, with no traffic accidents, deaths or injuries recorded over the observance. Of the total, 118,291 were private vehicles, 62,045 taxis, 13,238 cargo trucks and 4,473 vehicles in other categories, according to the directorate's figures. Director General Maj. Gen. Dr. Adel Samir said hourly traffic flow exceeded 70 percent and the traffic distribution rate reached 99 percent. The plan deployed 164 traffic filters and 16 radar units, and the directorate reported a 100 percent success rate for its reverse-direction dispatch plan. The pilgrimage marked the 10th of Muharram in the Hijri year 1448. The directorate added that traffic accidents across Iraq have fallen 67 percent compared with previous years, while traffic violations have dropped 80 percent.