Millions also visit Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrimage, which happens outside of the Haj period. As Mecca and Medina are connected by long high-speed highways, travel becomes risky for various reasons

xThe tragic death of 44 Indians and an African driver when their bus crashed with a diesel tanker near Medina in Saudi Arabia is unfortunate and highlights the elevated safety risks on long high-speed highways such as the one connecting Mecca and Medina.

According to preliminary information available in the local media, the driver lost control and crashed into the diesel tanker, killing all the passengers, except one, in an instant. The bodies were reportedly charred beyond recognition.

In March 2023, a bus ferrying pilgrims to Mecca burst into flames after a collision on a bridge, kill

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