An Asian janitor died after being hit by a car as he tried to cross the old Makkah-Jeddah Road.

The man died from head injuries. He was one of a group of janitors who crossed the road. All others escaped unharmed.

Police patrols, which reached the scene of accident accompanied by Bahra traffic personnel, tried to facilitate traffic movement, which had come to a halt for more than an hour. Traffic police are trying to investigate the cause of the accident.

The body was left on the ground for more than two hours because of a delay in the arrival of a vehicle to transport it.

Residents have reported several deaths on the old Makkah-Jeddah Road over the years. The road does not have footbridges, zebra crossings or traffic lights. It is full of potholes and is badly in need of asphalting.