Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
In a devastating turn of events early Monday, a tragic accident claimed the lives of at least 45 Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad when their bus collided with a diesel tanker en route from Mecca to Medina in Saudi Arabia. The crash took place at approximately 1:30 AM IST in the Mufrihat region, leaving behind a scene of utter despair, with only one survivor currently in treatment at a local hospital.
Among those lost were 18 individuals from a single family, spanning three generations. Naseeruddin Shaik, a retired railway employee, was journeying with his wife, son, three daughters, and grandchildren. Mohammed Aslam, a nephew, shared his disbelief over the tragedy, stating, “We are still trying to understand what has happened. Our family lost 18 members in that crash.”
The bus was reported to be carrying 46 people, including women and children, all traveling with a Hyderabad-based group organized through a local agency. Investigations are ongoing into the accident, focusing on the safety measures in place by the bus operator and the travel agency involved.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar labeled the incident as “tragically distressing,” confirming initial figures regarding the victims. The Telangana government is collaborating with Saudi officials to gather detailed information concerning those affected. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed his sorrow and has instructed officials to identify the deceased and verify how many were from Telangana.
This calamity has raised concerns at the highest levels of the Indian leadership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the tragic loss of Indian lives and extended sympathies to the grieving families. He affirmed that India’s Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are offering all necessary support to the survivors and families of the deceased.
The shocking nature of this accident has resonated throughout the nation, underscoring the dangers encountered by Umrah pilgrims. Officials are urging a comprehensive investigation into the incident, with a commitment to accountability and the prevention of similar events in the future.
The lone survivor is receiving medical care, while authorities are diligently reaching out to the victims' families to provide support during this tragic period.
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