A bus ferrying pilgrims to the holy city of Makkah burst into flames after crashing into a bridge on Monday, killing 20 people and injuring more than two dozen, Saudi state media reported.
The accident occurred at about 4pm in Aqabat Shaar in Asir province, Al Ekhbariya TV reported.
The bus had departed Khamis Mushayt and was heading to Abha region.
Very sad
Horrific accident in #SaudiArabia
At least 20 people have been killed and about 30 others injured in a bus crash in Saudi Arabia.Dur to malfunction of the brake system the bus lost control and collided with a passenger car, and then rolled over and caught fire pic.twitter.com/ZpsA0Duf0M— Arthur Morgan (@ArthurM40330824) March 27, 2023
It comes during the first week of Ramadan when there is surge in the Umrah pilgrimages, and merely months before millions of Muslims are expected to make the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
According to reports, problems with breaks on the bus led to a collision with a barrier at the end of a bridge, which caused it to overturn and catch fire.
“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 television channel reported.
It said the victims had “different nationalities”, but did not mention them.
Footage showed what appeared to be the burnt shell of the bus.
Source- Hindustan Times.
