New Delhi: A devastating road accident in Saudi Arabia has left at least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims feared dead after their bus collided with a diesel tanker and went up in flames early Monday. The vehicle was travelling from Mecca to Medina when the crash took place near Mufrihat around 1.30 am IST, catching most passengers asleep.
Early reports indicate that a large number of those on board were from Hyderabad, including women and children. The bus was reportedly returning from Mecca after the group had completed their religious rituals. The impact of the collision caused a massive fire, leaving the vehicle completely charred and making identification of victims extremely difficult. Local media reported that only one passenger, identified as Mohd Abdul Shoiab, may have survived and is currently hospitalised.
Rescue teams worked through the night with support from local residents. While preliminary information suggests more than 40 fatalities, an official count is still awaited as authorities continue verification. Several passengers are believed to have died instantly due to the intensity of the fire.
Indian officials in Saudi Arabia have set up emergency support systems in response. The Indian Embassy in Jeddah announced a 24×7 control room, while the Telangana government established helplines and began coordinating with the embassy to gather information on affected citizens. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed officials to work closely with central authorities to assist families and expedite relief efforts.
In Hyderabad, concern grew as reports emerged that at least 16 of the victims had travelled through two local Umrah agencies. Authorities are working to confirm the identities of the deceased and offer assistance to their families.
Indian leaders expressed grief and called for urgent support measures. The External Affairs Minister conveyed shock over the tragedy, assuring that Indian missions in Riyadh and Jeddah were extending full support to families of the victims and injured. He also expressed condolences and wished for the recovery of survivors.
Local leaders in Telangana urged the government to ensure that the remains of the deceased are brought home and that medical care is provided to any survivors. As investigations continue, the focus remains on relief, identification, and supporting families grappling with an immense loss.
Sorry, there was a YouTube error.
