A major accident in Saudi Arabia has killed 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims, according to officials. The bus carrying the pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker near Madinah on Monday, and the vehicle caught fire. Most of the victims are believed to be from Hyderabad.
Telangana IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu said that early information suggests at least 16 people from the Bazarghat area of Mallepalli in Hyderabad were among the dead. Authorities are still confirming identities.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar said, “45 people have died, and only one survivor is in the hospital.”
How the Incident Happened
The accident occurred around 1:30 am IST in Mufrihat, about 160 km from Madinah.
The group had left Hyderabad on November 9 for Umrah and was returning to Madinah after prayers in Mecca.
They were travelling with Al Meena and Al Mecca Travels from Nampally.
Travel Details Shared by Police
Commissioner Sajjanar said:
54 people had flown from Hyderabad to Jeddah on November 9.
4 went to Madinah by car, 4 stayed in Mecca.
The remaining 46 travelled by bus.
The accident happened about 25 km from Madinah when the bus hit an oil tanker.
Only one person, Mohammad Abdul Suyaib, survived and is in ICU at the Saudi German Hospital.
Telangana Government’s Response
The Telangana government is coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the External Affairs Ministry for help.
