Hyderabad: In a tragic accident near Madinah, Saudi Arabia, at least 45 Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad lost their lives when their bus collided with a diesel tanker in the early hours of Monday. The Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar, 1996 batch IPS officer, confirmed the devastating incident, noting that only one person survived the collision.
Details of the Accident
The accident occurred at around 1:30 am near Mufrihat, approximately 160 km from Madinah. Preliminary reports suggest that many passengers were asleep when the diesel tanker reportedly veered into the bus, resulting in a collision that caused the bus to burst into flames.
According to Commissioner Sajjanar, the 46 pilgrims traveling by bus were part of a 54-member group from Hyderabad that left for Makkah on November 9, with their return planned for November 23. Four pilgrims had traveled separately by car, and four others stayed back in Makkah.
The lone survivor, Md Abdul Shoaib, is receiving treatment in a Saudi hospital ICU.
Profile of the Deceased
The deceased included 17 men, 18 women, and 10 children, primarily from Hyderabad neighborhoods such as Asif Nagar, Jhirra, Mehdipatnam, and Toli Chowki. Some reports indicate that preliminary figures suggest 47–48 deaths, as per Minority Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin.
Due to the severity of the fire, many bodies were charred beyond recognition, and authorities indicated that DNA tests may be required for identification.
Government Response and Assistance
The Telangana government is actively coordinating with Saudi authorities and the Indian Consulates in Jeddah and Riyadh. Key measures include:
- Sending one family member of each deceased pilgrim to Saudi Arabia.
- Arranging passports for family members as required.
- Providing full support and counseling to the affected families.
A 24/7 control room has been established at Haj House in Hyderabad, while another has been set up at Telangana Bhavan, New Delhi, to assist families. The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has also set up a helpline (toll-free: 8002440003).
Community Support and Political Coordination
AIMIM MLA Kausar Mohiuddin confirmed that 10 of the deceased were residents of Meraj Colony, Toli Chowki, and Mughal Nagar (Pillar No. 89). He has been meeting affected families to provide assistance.
AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi is coordinating with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and consulates to ensure prompt support for the victims’ families.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has instructed officials to extend full assistance to the families of the deceased.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia confirmed that, as per custom for pilgrims, the victims will be buried in Saudi Arabia.
Read also: Madhya Pradesh Prepares Major IAS Reshuffle: Over 10 Senior Officers Likely to Be Reassigned
