20 people died in a bus accident in Saudi Arabia carrying pilgrims
A bus crashed and caught fire at a location in southern Saudi Arabia on Monday. 20 people died and 30 were injured.
The accident occurred during the first week of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, when many Muslims were performing the Umrah pilgrimage. (illustrative picture)
AFP
A bus carrying pilgrims heading to Mecca in Saudi Arabia crashed into a bridge and burst into flames on Monday, killing 20 people and injuring 30 others, Saudi state television reported.
The crash in the southern province of Asir underscores the ongoing security challenge of transporting pilgrims to the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina. During the first week of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, many Muslims undertake the Umrah (short pilgrimage) pilgrimage, and it comes months before the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
“Different Nationalities”
“According to the preliminary information we received, the death toll in the accident reached 20, and the total number of injured was around 29,” state broadcaster Al-Ekbariya said. The victims were “of different nationalities,” according to the chain, which did not provide further details.
Al-Eqbariya published footage showing a reporter standing in front. Transporting pilgrims on Saudi Arabia’s roads can be dangerous, especially during Hajj, when buses full of pilgrims cause endless traffic jams.
In October 2019, 35 foreigners were killed and four injured when a bus collided with another heavy vehicle near Medina. However, pilgrimages remain an important part of the tourism industry, which Saudi leaders hope to diversify their fossil fuel-based economy.
AFP
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