Tragedy in Saudi: 45 Indian Umrah Pilgrims From Hyderabad Killed in Tanker Crash.
A fatal collision near Medina between a pilgrims’ bus and a diesel tanker claims the lives of dozens; PM Modi and Telangana CM express deep grief.
A tragic accident in Saudi Arabia has claimed the lives of 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims, all reportedly from Hyderabad, after a passenger bus collided with a fuel tanker near Medina. The impact triggered a massive fire, leaving almost no survivors. One passenger remains critically injured and is under medical care.
🔹 How the Accident Happened
According to early reports from Saudi authorities, the bus carrying Umrah pilgrims was traveling from Mecca to Medina when it collided with a speeding fuel tanker. The tanker burst into flames instantly, engulfing the bus and making rescue operations extremely difficult.
Emergency teams arrived within minutes, but the intensity of the fire left widespread devastation.
🔹 Identity and Origin of the Victims
Most of the victims were from Hyderabad, Telangana, traveling in a private group for their Umrah pilgrimage.
Family members in Hyderabad are struggling for confirmation details and have requested immediate government assistance for identifying the remains.
🔹 Official Reactions From India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the tragedy and extended condolences to the affected families. He assured that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are coordinating with Saudi authorities to assist in identification and repatriation.
The Telangana Chief Minister, A. Revanth Reddy, also reacted strongly to the news. He directed officials to set up a 24×7 help desk in Hyderabad to support families and maintain constant communication with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
🔹 Government Support and Helplines
The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has activated an emergency helpline for relatives seeking information.
Efforts are underway to:
- Identify the victims
- Support the lone survivor’s medical treatment
- Coordinate the repatriation of bodies
- Assist families in Hyderabad with documentation and updates
Saudi authorities are also conducting a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
🔹 Impact on the Local Community
The tragedy has deeply shaken the Hyderabad community, where many of the victims belonged to the same neighborhoods. Local leaders and community organizations have urged the government to speed up the repatriation process and provide financial assistance to the affected families.
🔹 What Happens Next?
Both Indian and Saudi authorities are working jointly to complete formalities.
The next steps include:
- Final confirmation of identities
- Medical evaluation of the survivor
- Legal documentation for repatriation
- Support and counseling for families
This tragic incident highlights the need for enhanced safety protocols for pilgrim transportation in the region.