Medina, Saudi Arabia – A tragic collision between a bus carrying Indian pilgrims and an oil tanker has resulted in the deaths of 45 individuals, officials confirmed on Monday. The accident occurred on a highway approximately 25 kilometers (around 15.5 miles) from Medina, a holy city in Saudi Arabia, as the pilgrims were en route from Mecca.
The pilgrims, who hailed from Hyderabad, India, had traveled to Saudi Arabia earlier this month for Umrah, a pilgrimage to Mecca performed by Muslims that can be undertaken at any time of the year. According to reports, a group of 54 individuals journeyed from Hyderabad to Jeddah on November 9th. Of these, four traveled separately to Medina by car on Sunday, and another four remained in Mecca. The remaining 46 boarded the bus headed to Medina when the collision occurred.
News of the accident has sent shockwaves through the community in Hyderabad, where many of the victims resided. Families are gathering, desperate for information about their loved ones. Mohammed Tehseen, a resident of Hyderabad, told reporters that seven members of his family were on the bus, and all but one had died. The sole survivor from the accident has been identified as Mohammad Abdul Shoaib, and he is currently receiving treatment in the ICU of the Saudi German Hospital.
Indian authorities are working closely with Saudi officials to manage the aftermath of the tragedy. India's consulate in Jeddah has established a 24-hour control room to provide assistance and information to the families of the victims. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is also coordinating with Saudi Arabia's Hajj and Umrah Ministry and local authorities.
"Deeply saddened by the accident in Medinah involving Indian nationals," Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter). "My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured."
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has also expressed his condolences and has directed officials in New Delhi to coordinate with the Indian Embassy in providing support to the families. The Telangana government has announced ₹5 lakhs ex gratia to the victims' families.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar stated that preliminary reports indicate that at least 18 of the deceased were from Hyderabad, with most of the victims belonging to two families. He added that police are in contact with the travel agency that organized the pilgrimage.
The cause of the collision is under investigation by Saudi authorities. Transporting pilgrims around Saudi Arabia's holy sites has often proven dangerous, particularly during the Hajj, when roads can be chaotic. Millions of Muslims visit Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrimage throughout the year.
