Guwahati: In a tragic incident, at least 20 Umrah pilgrims lost their lives while 29 others sustained grievous injuries in a road accident in Saudi Arabia.
The incident took place on the road joining Asir province and the city of Abha in southwestern Saudi Arabia on Monday.
As per reports, the accident occurred after a bus carrying the pilgrims hit a bridge, overturned and burst into flames.
Reportedly, the road mishap was a result of brake failure.
“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.
Ramadan, the holy month when Muslims travel for Umrah, is the week that the incident in the southern province of Asir occurs. The victims were travelling to perform Umrah in Mecca.
Meanwhile, the injured have been sent to a nearby hospital for treatment. According to Gulf News, teams from the Saudi Civil Defense and Red Crescent Authority arrived to the accident scene shortly and roped off the area.