At least 42 indian Umrah pilgrims are feared to have died after their bus collided with a diesel tanker near Medina (Madinah) in saudi arabia, according to multiple media reports.
What Happened
· The crash occurred early monday near a place called Mufrihat, approximately 160 km from Medina, while the bus was travelling from Mecca to Medina.
· According to local reports, many passengers were asleep when the collision happened, and the ensuing fire left the bus fully gutted, making escape extremely difficult.
· Emergency responders described the scene as devastating and said that identifying the victims will be very challenging.
· According to early sources, one person may have survived, though their condition remains unclear.
Who Were the Victims
· Many of the pilgrims on the bus are reported to be Indian nationals, with a significant number believed to be from Hyderabad, Telangana.
· Unofficial sources suggest that 11 women and 10 children may be among the dead, though these numbers are still being verified.
· The bus was carrying pilgrims completing their Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage to the holy cities.
Response from Authorities
· The Telangana state government has set up a control room at the secretariat to provide information and support to the families of the victims.
· telangana chief minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed senior officials to urgently coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. Lok Sabha mp Asaduddin Owaisi, who represents Hyderabad, said he is in touch with the indian Embassy and travel agencies to get details. He also urged the indian government to facilitate the return of the bodies and medical treatment for any injured.
· Helpline numbers have been announced for families seeking information: +91 79979 59754 and +91 99129 19545.
Why This Is Particularly Heartbreaking
· A pilgrimage like Umrah is meant to be a spiritual journey — for many, it’s a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity. For the victims, this trip ended in tragedy.
· The fact that many were sleeping during the crash suggests they had no warning or time to escape once the fire broke out.
· The loss is not just personal but communal: entire families may be affected, and questions will surely be raised about road safety, travel arrangements for pilgrims, and the protocols for transporting vulnerable pilgrims.
What Happens Next
· Authorities are still verifying the death toll and the identities of the victims.
· The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia will likely play a major role in coordinating rescue, recovery, and repatriation of remains.
· Investigations may also be launched into how the accident happened — whether there were any lapses in safety standards for buses carrying pilgrims, or negligence in route planning.
Disclaimer:
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