Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani extended his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by a tragic traffic accident on the Kalar-Kifri road, as stated by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on Tuesday.

“Unfortunately, I received news of several high school students who tragically lost their lives and several others who were injured in a traffic accident on the Kalar-Kifri road,” Barzani's statement read. He further expressed, “I extend my sincerest condolences to their families. May God grant paradise and peace to the souls of those who have passed away, and comfort to their grieving families. I also wish a speedy recovery for those who were injured.”

The devastating incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when a bus carrying high school students from Bakur Girls High School in Kalar overturned on the road between Kifri and Kalar. The students were returning from a scientific trip to Kifri when the accident happened. The overturning of the bus resulted in the deaths of four students and injuries to seven others.

Harem Jaf, a reporter from Kurdistan24 in Garmiyan, provided details from the scene, highlighting the severe impact on the students and their families.

This incident is a stark reminder of the region's traffic safety challenges. According to 2022 statistics, the Kurdistan Region experienced 3,706 traffic accidents, which led to 445 fatalities and 7,250 injuries. The KRG continues to address these safety concerns in an effort to prevent such tragedies in the future.