A GLASGOW couple have been killed after a minibus crash in Saudi Arabia.

Mohammad Aslam and his wife Talat Aslam, from Newlands, were among seven victims of the horror crash which happened yesterday afternoon.

The bus was carrying 12 passengers and was travelling between Makkah and Medina.

A total of seven people have died including the Glaswegian couple as confirmed by Glasgow Central Mosque. 

The Herald:

A baby said to be less than two months old also reportedly died and two other children were also injured.

The couple are survived by their five children Shehia, Saba, Omar, Osman and Haroon. 

They had taken a pilgrimage  trip to the country. 

Yasmin Majid, believed to be the couple’s niece, spoke of her grief on Facebook.

She said: “So shocked, she was always so full of life.

“Sadly Aunty Talat Aslam and Uncle Aslam have left this world to return to our creator in a bus crash in Medina.”

A spokesman for the Glasgow Central Mosque said: "Glasgow Central Mosque announced that a couple from Newlands, Glasgow were among a number of Pilgrims who died in a tragic mini-bus accident in Saudi Arabia.
"We understand they had just completed the Umrah pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah and were travelling in a minibus to visit the holy city of Madinah. 

"We have every confidence in the Saudi authorities currently investigating the crash and in giving the dearly departed due dignity and decorum."
The spokesman added: "Mr Mohammad Aslam and Mrs Talat Aslam were popular members of the community and are survived by their five children. We pray Allah the Almighty grants the deceased a high rank in Paradise and gives their loved ones strength and patience at this difficult time.

"We would kindly request the family be given space and time to grieve for their loved ones and to come to terms with their sudden loss.
"We surely belong to Allah and to Him we shall return."

The Herald:

This photo released by the Saudi Red Crescent Authority in Medina shows the site of the bus crash 

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We are supporting the families of six British people who have sadly died following a road accident in Saudi Arabia.

"We are also helping several more British nationals who were injured in the crash. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families at this very difficult time."

Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca by Muslims made at any time of the year, differing from the annual Hajj which takes place in the month of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

The Hajj is seen as a mandatory religious duty that must be carried out at least once by adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey.

Last year it was held in September with more than one million Muslims travelling to Saudi Arabia.