Tragic Saudi Arabia Crash: Mecca-Bound Bus Collides with Diesel Tanker, Over 40 Indian Pilgrims Feared Dead
In a horrifying road accident early Monday, a Mecca-bound passenger bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker in Saudi Arabia, leaving over 40 Indians feared dead, according to initial reports.
The accident occurred in the Mufrihat area as the bus was traveling from Mecca to Madinah. Local sources and media reports suggest that the bus was laden with Indian pilgrims, many of whom were from Hyderabad, when it crashed into a tanker carrying diesel. The impact reportedly ignited a fire, complicating rescue operations.
Initial reports suggest that 42 Indian pilgrims, including several from Hyderabad, may have died in the crash. Among the victims are believed to be women and children. The exact number of casualties has not been officially confirmed, and authorities are still working to identify the victims.
The Telangana government has taken immediate action, setting up a control room to assist the families of the affected pilgrims.
The Chief Minister of Telangana has demanded a full report into the incident.
Indian diplomatic channels are said to be coordinating closely with local Saudi authorities to support rescue operations and victim identification.
Saudi authorities and emergency services are continuing rescue and investigation efforts at the crash site. With many injured and the death toll not yet finalized, the situation remains fluid. The Indian government is expected to ask for a detailed inquiry into the circumstances that led to this tragic accident.
This accident is particularly distressing given that the passengers were performing Umrah, a deeply significant religious pilgrimage. The loss of so many lives has sent shockwaves through the Indian community, especially in Hyderabad, where many of the pilgrims hailed from.
