At least 31 people were killed and over 100 others injured in a stampede during a major Shiite ritual of Ashura in the Iraqi city of Karbala on Tuesday, Reuters reported, citing the local ministry of health.

The incident happened when thousands of Shiite pilgrims pushed into the entrance of Imam Hussein's shrine, a health ministry spokesman said.

Ministry spokesman Saif al Badr said the death toll could rise further, as at least nine people are still in critical condition.

The cause of death has not been announced by officials.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi expressed his condolences to those killed in the stampede, while the health minister visited the wounded in the hospital.

(Cover image: Reuters Photo)