Abyan -- The Yemeni authorities have suspended the operations of Saqr Al-Hejaz, a major intercity transport company, following a tragic bus accident that claimed the lives of at least 34 passengers and injured more than a dozen others in the southern province of Abyan.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, November 5, 2025, on the treacherous mountain pass of Al-Araqoub, when a passenger bus operated by Saqr Al-Hejaz collided with a private vehicle. 

The impact caused both vehicles to burst into flames, resulting in one of the deadliest road accidents in Yemen in recent years.

According to local security sources, the bus was carrying Yemeni passengers returning from Saudi Arabia. The difficult terrain and sharp curves of the Al-Araqoub road complicated rescue efforts, with emergency teams struggling to reach the scene in time.

In response to the tragedy, Yemen’s Ministry of Transport announced the immediate suspension of Saqr Al-Hejaz’s operations, pending a full investigation into the causes of the crash. Authorities cited potential violations of safety protocols and vehicle maintenance standards.

“This is a national tragedy. We cannot allow such negligence to continue unchecked,” a ministry spokesperson said, adding that the company’s license would remain suspended until accountability measures are enforced.

The ministry also pledged to review road safety regulations and transport company oversight, particularly for long-distance routes connecting border crossings with major cities like Aden and Sana’a.
The incident has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for urgent reforms in Yemen’s transport sector, where poor infrastructure, aging fleets, and lax enforcement have contributed to a rising toll of deadly accidents.

Families of the victims have demanded justice and compensation, while civil society groups are urging the government to prioritize road safety and passenger protection in future policy decisions.