Saudi Arabia
Saudi: At Least 20 Umrah Pilgrims Die and Dozens Injured in Bus Crash
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.
Al-Ekhbariya TV said the accident occurred around 4 pm in Aqabat Shaar, in Asir province.
The bus had departed Khamis Mushayt and was heading to Abha region.
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.
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, reports said.