In a devastating road accident near Medina in Saudi Arabia, 42 Indian pilgrims lost their lives, including 18 members of a single family from Hyderabad—nine adults and nine children. The family had travelled to perform Umrah and was scheduled to return home on Saturday, according to their relatives who spoke to national media.
Mohammed Asif, a relative, recounted the tragedy: “My sister-in-law, brother-in-law, their son, three daughters and their children went (for Umrah). They left eight days ago. The Umrah was done, and they were returning to Medina. Around 1.30 am, the accident occurred, and the bus was destroyed in the fire. They were supposed to return on Saturday.”
He added that the family had been in regular contact until the moment disaster struck. “Eighteen members of one family—nine adults and nine children—have died. It is a terrible tragedy for us,” Asif said.
Among the deceased, Asif named Naseeruddin (70), his wife Akhter Begum (62), their son Salauddin (42), daughters Amina (44), Rizwana (38), and Shabana (40), along with their children.
At Naseeruddin’s home in Ramnagar, Hyderabad, the scene was one of overwhelming grief. A neighbour handed over the house keys, and as Naseeruddin’s sister stepped inside the home that once belonged to her brother, loud wails filled the air. “My brother’s entire family has been wiped out,” she cried out.
Most of the 42 victims were from Hyderabad. The bus carrying the pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker approximately 30 km from Medina. The crash happened late at night while most passengers were asleep, leaving little chance for escape as the vehicle was quickly engulfed in flames.
Also Read: PM Modi grieves Saudi bus accident involving Indian pilgrims
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief over the incident. “My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured. Our embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with Saudi Arabian authorities,” he wrote in a post on X.
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah promptly established a round-the-clock control room and helpline. “In view of a tragic bus accident near Medina, Saudi Arabia, involving Indian Umrah pilgrims, a 24x7 Control Room has been set up in Consulate General of India, Jeddah. The contact details of the Helpline are as under: Toll free number - 8002440003,” the consulate announced on X.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also conveyed his sorrow and directed senior state officials to remain in constant touch with the Indian consulate to extend all necessary support. “The government will stand by the affected families. I pray that they remain strong,” he said.
Also Read: 45 Indian pilgrims feared dead in Saudi Arabia bus crash
Follow us
