A bus carrying pilgrims bound to the holy city of Mecca burst into flames after colliding on a bridge on Monday killing 20 people and leaving more than two dozen injured.
The incident took place in the southern province of Asir and highlighted the persistent challenges faced by pilgrims and worshippers wanting to go Mecca and Medina.
The crash also happened during the first week of Ramadan and when millions of Muslims are expected to troop to Mecca as part of their hajj pilgrimage.
“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 state-affiliated Al-Ekhbariya channel reported.
The state media however did not disclose the identity of the crash victims.
Several reports also noted that the car had troubles or had an issue with the brakes before it collided with the bridge and caught fire.
Ramadan is among the five pillars of the Islam religion. During this month, Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking, engaging in any sexual activity, and committing sinful acts from daybreak to dusk.
In 2019, at least 35 people were killed including foreigners when their bus crashed with another heavy vehicle while en route to Medina.
