Post by : Rameen Ariff

A devastating incident unfolded early Monday, resulting in the loss of 45 Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad when their bus collided with a diesel tanker on the route from Mecca to Medina. The tragic event took place at approximately 1:30 AM IST in the Mufrihat area, leaving one survivor who is now hospitalized.

Among the deceased were 18 relatives from a single family, spanning three generations. Naseeruddin Shaik, a retired railway worker, was traveling with his wife, son, three daughters, and grandchildren. Mohammed Aslam, his nephew, shared his anguish, stating, “We are still in shock; 18 family members were on that bus.”

The bus carried a total of 46 passengers, all part of a group from Hyderabad organized by a local travel agency. The authorities are currently probing the circumstances of the crash, focusing on safety measures implemented by the bus operator and the travel agency.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar called the accident “heart-wrenching” and confirmed initial reports regarding the number of passengers. The Telangana government is collaborating with Saudi officials to gather precise information about the victims. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy extended his condolences and instructed officials to identify those who perished, ensuring clarity on how many were from Telangana.

This tragedy has garnered attention from Indian leadership, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing sorrow over the loss of Indian citizens and offering support to bereaved families. He assured that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are extending all necessary assistance to both survivors and the families of the deceased.

The shocking incident has raised awareness about the dangers faced by Umrah pilgrims. Officials are demanding a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies.

The lone survivor is under medical care, and efforts are ongoing to reach out to the families of those affected.

#Global