Dubai: Thirty-five expatriate pilgrims died and four others critically injured in a head-on collision between a bus and a heavy vehicle in Al-Akhal Center in Madinah area on Wednesday.

In an official statement, spokesman of Madinah police said that a private chartered bus transporting 39 Asian and Arab nationalities collided with a heavy vehicle (loader) on Alhirah Road at around 7 pm.

The incident resulted in the immediate death of 35 persons. Four injured passengers have been transferred to Al-Hamna Hospital in Madinah.

Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the governor of Madinah Province, has ordered the provision of adequate medical care for the injured. The governor also expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

The competent authorities have initiated an investigation into the collision.

Horrific footage of the bus engulfed in flames with its windows blown out was aired on local television channels.

Many international leaders expressing grief and condolence over the incident.

Anguished by the news of a bus crash near Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Praying for a quick recovery of the injured.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 17, 2019

“Anguished by the news of a bus crash near Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Praying for a quick recovery of the injured,” tweeted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.