Saudi state media reported on Monday that a collision on a bridge caused a bus carrying pilgrims to the holy city of Mecca to burst into flames, resulting in the death of 20 people and injuring more than two dozen others.
This incident, which occurred in the southern province of Asir, underscores the persistent challenges in safely transporting worshippers to Mecca and Medina, the holiest cities in Islam.
The accident occurred during the first week of Ramadan.
And that time is a busy time for umrah pilgrimages, and just months before millions of Muslims are expected to make the annual hajj pilgrimage.
Number of Deaths in Saudi Bus Accident
The state-affiliated Al-Ekhbariya channel reported that the number of deaths in the accident was 20, with approximately 29 injuries, according to preliminary information received.
Although the victims were of “different nationalities,” no further details or breakdowns were provided.
According to reports, the bus involved in the accident had “car trouble” as stated by the channel, but without any specific details.
However, the private newspaper Okaz mentioned that the accident was due to an issue with the brakes.
The bus collided with a bridge, overturned, and caught fire.
The Al-Ekhbariya broadcasted footage showing a burnt-out shell of the bus, as per reports, transporting worshippers to Saudi Arabia’s holy sites can be a hazardous task, especially during the hajj when roads can be chaotic, resulting in interminable traffic jams.
In October 2019, another fatal accident occurred near Medina when a bus collided with another heavy vehicle, killing 35 foreigners and injuring four others.
Nevertheless, despite the risks involved, pilgrimages are a vital component of Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism sector, which officials aim to use as a tool to diversify the kingdom’s economy away from fossil fuels.
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