Third Briton dies after Saudi pilgrim bus crash

RIYADH, Dec 11 (Reuters) A third British Muslim pilgrim has died in Saudi Arabia from injuries after a bus crash that killed two others on Saturday, a British diplomat said today.

The bus, travelling between the Islamic holy cities of Medina and Mecca, hit a road barrier in the early morning after the driver fell asleep at the wheel, Saudi police have said.

Around 20 Britons are still in hospital, three of them in serious condition, the diplomat said. Two died immediately during the accident, which happened about 90 km north of Jeddah, and 34 were injured.

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from around the world are expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks for the haj pilgrimage which begins in late December.

REUTERS BDP VV1615