A devastating road accident near Medina in Saudi Arabia has claimed the lives of at least 45 Indian pilgrims, among them 18 members of a single extended family from Hyderabad spanning three generations.
The bus was carrying a group of pilgrims returning from Mecca to Medina around 1.30 am local time on Monday when it collided with a diesel tanker and caught fire. Most of the passengers, many of whom were asleep, had little time to escape the blaze.
The family from Hyderabad included grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren, all travelling together on the Umrah pilgrimage. Among those killed were 70-year-old Shaik Naseeruddin, his wife Akhter Begum, their son, daughters and grandchildren. Nine children are also reported to be among the deceased.
One member of the family, 35-year-old Syed Rashid, spoke of his anguish, saying he had told them not to travel together, especially with children, but never imagined the journey would end in such tragedy.
The broader group consisted of around 54 pilgrims from Hyderabad who departed on 9 November for Umrah. While eight of them travelled by car or stayed in Mecca, 46 booked seats on the bus; according to Hyderabad police-commissioner VC Sajjanar, at least 45 of the bus passengers were killed.
Indian authorities have launched an emergency response. A 24-hour control room has been set up at the Indian Consulate in Jeddah and at the Telangana Bhavan in Hyderabad. The Indian embassy in Riyadh and consulate in Jeddah are coordinating with Saudi authorities for repatriation of bodies and assistance to families.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his sorrow via social media, writing that his thoughts are with the bereaved families and that officials are providing all possible support. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy directed state officials to stay in touch with families and ensure relief measures are announced.
Relatives in Hyderabad gathered outside travel-agency offices seeking updates. At the family home in Ramnagar, the key was handed in by a neighbour amid silent grief, as mourners realised that the entire household had been wiped out.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are underway, and identification of victims is proving difficult due to the severity of burns in the fire. Authorities are urging families to come forward with DNA and other records to assist.
This tragic accident underscores the risks faced by pilgrims travelling in large groups and raises questions about safety standards for transport during religious journeys. Families of the victims are now looking for answers and accountability even as they struggle to cope with unimaginable grief.
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