On 28 March 2023, a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims crashed into a bridge in Asir province, southwest of Saudi Arabia, resulting in the death of at least 20 pilgrims and 29 others being injured. The victims were en route to Mecca to perform Umrah during the first week of Ramadan. The accident was caused by a brake failure, which caused the bus to overturn and catch fire. The Saudi civil defense and Red Crescent Authority teams immediately responded to the scene of the accident and cordoned off the area. The injured and deceased were transported to nearby hospitals. The victims were reported to be of different nationalities.[1][2][3][4]
Crash
Due to a brake failure, the bus transporting Umrah pilgrims struck a bridge, overturned, and caught fire. The incident occurred on a road connecting Asir province and the city of Abha, prompting immediate action from the Saudi civil defense and Red Crescent Authority, who cordoned off the area. The deceased and the injured were reportedly taken to nearby hospitals.[5][6]
Reactions
The incident has drawn grief and sorrow from leaders such as Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who offered his thoughts and prayers.[7]
