Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
A catastrophic bus crash occurred early Monday near Mufrihat, Saudi Arabia, resulting in the loss of more than 40 Indian pilgrims, primarily from Hyderabad, while traveling from Mecca to Medina. The bus collided with a diesel tanker and subsequently caught fire, providing little opportunity for passengers to escape. Footage circulating online captures the devastating blaze engulfing the vehicle, emphasizing the gravity of the tragedy.
Asaduddin Owaisi, the AIMIM chief and MP from Hyderabad, confirmed that 42 of his constituents were involved in this incident, with indications suggesting that only one person survived. Owaisi is in ongoing communication with Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, to verify the identities of the victims and is urging the Indian government to assist in the repatriation process for the deceased and ensure medical aid for the survivors.
Telangana's Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed his condolences and directed state officials to work closely with embassy representatives in Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of External Affairs, under S. Jaishankar, also conveyed profound sadness over the incident. In a post on X, Jaishankar noted, “Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing utmost support to the affected Indian nationals and families. We offer our sincere condolences to those in mourning and hope for a quick recovery for the injured.”
The Indian Consulate in Jeddah labeled the incident as “tragic” and set up a 24/7 control room to assist the families of the victims. Official helpline numbers have been issued to provide support for the relatives as efforts continue to identify the deceased and survivors.
This tragic event has deeply impacted India, particularly the Hyderabad community, as many pilgrims had just completed their Umrah rites in Mecca before heading to Medina. Initial reports indicate that among the victims were 11 women and 10 children. Rescue operations are ongoing, with the Indian Embassy coordinating with local authorities to assist the injured and provide support to bereaved families.
This incident highlights the perils faced by pilgrims traveling in the region, stressing the necessity for strict road safety protocols and meticulous travel planning. Social media reactions reflect widespread grief and shock as government authorities strive to address the crisis.
With investigations in progress, both India and Saudi Arabia are working together to ascertain the cause of the collision and ensure that the families of the victims are kept informed and supported. This tragic bus fire stands as one of the most significant accidents involving Indian pilgrims in recent years, prompting urgent appeals for improved safety measures along pilgrimage routes.
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