Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - The number of Palestinian pilgrims who died late Wednesday in a road accident near the Mudawara border crossing rose to16, a statement by the civil Defence Department (CDD) said Thursday.

The statement explained that16 pilgrims died and 34 were injured in an accident occurred near the Jordanian- Saudi border, after the driver lost control of the bus, which was carrying Palestinian pilgrims seeking to perform Umra (the lesser Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca) .

CDD cadres rushed to the scene, administered first aid to the injured and transferred the dead to Maan and Queen Rani public hospitals, it added.

The Awqaf Ministry said in a statement it is closely following the situation and checking on the condition of the pilgrims and will provide all necessary support and assistance to the injured.