(MENAFN) A bus carrying Umrah pilgrims overturned and caught fire on Monday in Aqabat Shaar, in the Asir region of southern Saudi Arabia. The death toll has risen to 21, with 29 others injured in the accident. The bus had departed from Khamis Mushayt and was heading to the Abha region when it lost control after a brake failure and crashed into a bridge before overturning and catching fire. Reports indicate that the victims were of "different nationalities," but their identities have not been disclosed.
Injured pilgrims were transferred to Asir Central Hospital, Mahayil Hospital, and Abha Private Hospital in Muhayil governorate in the Asir region, while the bodies were taken to the morgue at Mahayil Hospital. The victims were on their way to Makkah to perform Umrah.
In response to the tragedy, Mahayil Governor Muhammad Al Qarqah, accompanied by Mahayil Police Director Brig Gen Mubarak Al Qahtani, visited the injured and wished them a speedy recovery, in line with the direction of the Emir of Asir Prince Turki bin Talal.
The health authorities in Asir have started collecting DNA samples from the deceased to identify the remains and contact family members. GCC Secretary General Jassim Al Budaiwi also expressed his sincere condolences to the families of the victims.
The Aqabat Shaar in Asir is the main artery connecting the province with areas such as Najran, Riyadh, the regions of Jazan, Al Baha, and Makkah Al Mukarramah. The accident highlights the importance of maintaining road safety measures, particularly during the busy period of Umrah and Hajj, which draw millions of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia each year.
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