As many as 20 pilgrims were killed and dozens were injured after a bus moving towards the holy city of Mecca burst into flames following a collision on a bridge on Monday. As per the reports, the crash occurred in the southern province of Asir.
“According to preliminary information we have now received, the number of deaths in this accident reached 20, and the total number of injuries was approximately 29,” the state-affiliated Al-Ekhbariya channel reported.
It said the victims had “different nationalities” but did not mention them or provide a breakdown. The channel said the bus had “car trouble”, without specifying, while the private newspaper Okaz said the accident resulted from an issue with the brakes. The vehicle “then collided with a bridge, overturned and caught fire”.
It comes during the first week of Ramadan, a busy time for umrah pilgrimages, and just months before millions of Muslims are expected to make the annual hajj pilgrimage.
