Saudi Bus Tragedy: A road accident in Saudi Arabia has shattered families back home in India. A bus carrying pilgrims on the Mecca–Madinah route caught fire after crashing into a tanker, killing over 40 passengers.
The victims included 18 members of a single family from Hyderabad, in a tragic incident that has sent the community into shock, looking for answers. The group had completed their Umrah pilgrimage and was scheduled to return later in the week.
How the Hyderabad Family Torn Apart
Relatives in India were shocked to know that an entire branch of their family had been wiped out. A relative said his sister-in-law, brother-in-law and their children were returning to Madinah following a visit to Makkah when the accident occurred.
Among those identified so far are 70-year-old Naseeruddin, his wife Akhter Begum, their children and a number of grandchildren. Many of them were sleeping when the collision occurred and by the time the fire spread, there was little chance of escape.
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Lone Survivor’s Account
The only survivor, 24-year-old Mohd Abdul Shoiab from Hyderabad, sat near the driver in an accident of placement that saved his life. He called his family from Saudi Arabia and described the chaos that unfolded.
Shoiab was traveling with members of his in-laws’ family, none of whom survived. His relatives have urged authorities either to repatriate the bodies or allow them to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform last rites.
India Reacts to the Tragedy
Indian officials including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, voiced profound sorrow over the tragedy. In his statement, he conveyed all condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
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The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are coordinating closely with Saudi authorities to provide assistance and support to the waiting families back home.
What led to the fatal crash?
According to preliminary reports, the accident occurred at about 1:30 am IST near Mufrihat, when a bus carrying 43 pilgrims collided with a tanker. The impact sparked a fire that quickly spread across the vehicle.
With only one survivor, the incident stands among the deadliest involving Indian pilgrims in recent years. Investigations are in progress and the identities of all victims are being verified by the authorities.
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Disclaimer: This article provides general news information and should not be considered an official statement or legal reference regarding the incident.
