Skip to main content

20 pilgrims dead in bus crash en route to Saudi Arabia’s Mecca

Almost every pilgrimage season witnesses deadly accidents in Saudi Arabia.

OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images
Syrians from Idlib province ride a bus in the town of Binnish that will drive them to the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey, from where they will travel to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, on July 22, 2019. — OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images

At least 20 people were killed when a bus carrying pilgrims crashed in Saudi Arabia’s southern province of Asir on Monday. Another 29 pilgrims were injured and the death toll is expected to rise, according to the Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya news outlet.

According to local reports, the bus was full of passengers on their way to perform the Umrah pilgrimage in the Islamic holy city of Mecca when its brakes failed, causing it to collide into a barrier at a bridge and overturn before catching fire. The victims included Saudi nationals and various others. 

Subscribe for unlimited access

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more

$14 monthly or $100 annually ($8.33/month)
OR

Continue reading this article for free

Access 1 free article per month when you sign up. Learn more.

By signing up, you agree to Al-Monitor’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Already have an account? Log in