Dense fog triggers deadly pileup on International Highway in Diwaniyah

DIWANIYAH — A multi-vehicle crash on the international highway near Afak district in Diwaniyah governorate killed six people and injured 14 others early Sunday after dense fog sharply reduced visibility, a security source said.

The source told 964media that a Kia veered off the shoulder and entered the main roadway, colliding with a cargo truck. “Because of the fog, nearly 10 vehicles of different types crashed into each other,” the source said.

More than 20 people were affected, including those killed and wounded, according to preliminary information. Local residents recovered the bodies of four victims, while civil defense teams continued efforts to retrieve the bodies of two others trapped inside crushed vehicles.

Authorities fully closed the highway following the crash. Video footage circulating from the scene showed extremely low visibility and extensive damage to vehicles involved in the pileup.

Officials did not immediately say when the road would reopen or whether further casualties were expected.