'At least 14 Palestinian pilgrims killed in accident near Mudawara'

AMMAN — Fourteen Palestinian pilgrims died and 36 others were injured, some critically, on Wednesday night when their bus overturned near the Mudawara border crossing, the Civil Defence Department (CDD) said.

The CDD added in a statement that the accident was "most probably" caused by the driver losing control of the bus, which was carrying Palestinians seeking to perform umra (the lesser Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca).

The dead and injured were taken to Maan and Queen Rania public hospitals, the CDD said.

More injured pilgrims could succumb to their wounds, according to the department, due to the severity of their injuries.

In a statement to the Jordan News Agency, Petra, the Awqaf Ministry said it is following the situation closely and checking on the condition of the pilgrims.

The ministry's spokesperson, Sinan Majali, said the authorities will provide the necessary support and assistance to the injured.