35 tourists killed, four injured in a bus accident in Saudi Arabia

Thursday, October 17, 2019

At least 35 tourists lost their lives and four others suffered injuries when a bus collided with another vehicle near Mecca in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

A Medina police spokesperson said that the bus collided with a heavy loader at around 7 pm. The tourists who died during the accident belong to Asia and Arab.

In April 2018, four British tourists died while 12 others got injured in Saudi Arabia when a bus collided with a fuel tanker. The bus was on its way to the holy city of Mecca. Earlier in January 2017, six British tourists, including a two-month-old baby, were killed in a minibus. The minibus was heading to Medina from Mecca.

The injured were rushed to Al-Hamna Hospital. The authorities have now launched an investigation. No official statement has been issued regarding how the clash between the vehicles happened.

The Saudi Arabia government has intensified its efforts to diversify its oil-dependent economy. Recently it had eased the Visa restrictions for US and UK visitors.

As per the new regulation, the US and UK citizens can now apply for tourist visas either online or on arrival, given they meet certain guidelines.

Earlier, only those tourists were allowed to visit the nation those who were travelling for business purposes apart from resident workers and their families, or Muslim pilgrims on a pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina.

According to the new rule, multiple-entry visa costs US$120, which is valid for a year. The multiple-entry visa permits a stay up to 3 months on each entry.

However, authorities implemented a public decency code following the new rule implications.

While the immodest dress and public display of affection has been banned, foreign men and women have been allowed to rent rooms together. Earlier, only married couples were allowed to rent rooms together. Ban on alcohol has not been revoked.

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