Mufrihat, Saudi Arabia – A devastating road accident in Saudi Arabia has left at least 42 Indian pilgrims dead. The collision occurred early Monday morning on the highway between Mecca and Medina, near Mufrihat, when a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker.
The pilgrims were en route from Mecca to Medina around 1:30 a.m. Indian time, after completing their religious rites in Mecca. According to reports, the bus collided with a diesel tanker, resulting in a fire that engulfed both vehicles. Many passengers were reportedly asleep at the time of the collision, reducing their chances of escape.
News of the tragedy has sent shockwaves through Indian communities worldwide. The victims are believed to be mostly from Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Among the deceased are 20 women and 11 children.
Rescue teams swiftly arrived at the scene, but the intensity of the blaze complicated rescue efforts. Local hospitals in Medina have been mobilized to treat the injured. Authorities are working to identify the victims and assist survivors.
Indian officials are in contact with Saudi authorities to gather more information and provide assistance to the families of the victims. A control room has been established in Telangana to provide information and support to the families.
"Forty-two Hajj pilgrims who were travelling from Mecca to Medina were on a bus that caught fire," Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi told ANI. He added that he had spoken with the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, who assured him that they are gathering information about the matter and that he has contacted two Hyderabad-based travel agencies and shared the passengers' details with the Riyadh Embassy and the Foreign Secretary.
The Saudi authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on the circumstances surrounding the collision, including the speed of the tanker and the condition of the bus.
This tragic accident underscores the need for improved road safety measures on pilgrimage routes and has sparked calls for increased vigilance to protect the lives of those undertaking these sacred journeys.
