'You have to recite Ayat Al-Kursi'
Traffic accidents dominate causes of death in Sulaymaniyah
SULAYMANIYAH – The Sulaymaniyah Forensic Medicine Department reported a concerning number of fatalities due to various incidents in July, with traffic accidents leading as the primary cause. Of the 51 bodies autopsied, 16 deaths were due to road accidents.
Statistics reveal a gender disparity in the fatalities, with 39 males and 12 females deceased. The analysis further detailed six deaths from burns, three from falls, two each from electrocution, drowning, and injuries related to sharp objects. Additional deaths were attributed to various other causes.
Bahman Abdullah, a spokesperson for the Sulaymaniyah Traffic Department, highlighted the severe conditions on roads outside urban areas. “The roads outside the cities have become death roads, similar to a battlefield. Sometimes, when you drive, you have to recite Ayat Al-Kursi to reach your destination safely,” Abdullah told 964media. Ayat al-Kursi,”a verse from the Quran believed to provide protection.
Abdullah emphasized the importance of road improvements and expanding two-way streets to reduce accidents. He also noted that raising driver awareness is crucial for safety.
In 2023, traffic accidents were the leading cause of death in the Sulaymaniyah governorate, accounting for nearly 25% of the 592 total deaths examined, with over 83% of the victims being male.
Nationally, Iraq, excluding the Kurdistan Region, reported over 3,262 traffic fatalities in 2023, a number nearly identical to the previous year’s, according to the Ministry of Planning. Collisions, often due to driver error, accounted for 56.4% of these accidents, while other factors included vehicle issues, road conditions, and pedestrian and passenger behavior.
Separate traffic incidents kill three, injure five in Kurdistan Region
