International Desk : At least 20 pilgrims have been killed and 29 others injured in a horrific bus crash southwest of Saudi Arabia, reports Gulf News.

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The incident occurred on Monday in the southern province of Asir. It comes during the first week of Ramadan, a busy time for the Umrah pilgrimage, and just months before millions of Muslims are expected to make the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

The state-affiliated Al Ekhbariya channel said 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.

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Transporting worshippers around Saudi Arabia’s holy sites is a perilous task, particularly during the Hajj, when roads can be chaotic with buses creating interminable traffic jams.

In 2016, some 19 people were killed when a bus overturned on a highway linking Medina and Mecca, while 22 others were injured.

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In October 2019, some 35 foreigners were killed and four others injured when a bus collided with another heavy vehicle near Medina.

Sun News/MR

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