Tragic Bus Crash Claims Lives of Hyderabad Family in Saudi Arabia

In a tragic incident near Madina, Saudi Arabia, 18 members of an extended family from Hyderabad were confirmed dead following a bus accident involving an oil tanker early on Monday morning. This disaster marks one of the most severe tragedies affecting Indian Umrah pilgrims in recent history.

FAMILY DEVASTATED

The victims included three generations, and the scale of the loss has deeply affected the community in Hyderabad. Mohammed Asif, a relative of the deceased, articulated the family's grief, stating, "My sister-in-law, brother-in-law, their son, three daughters, and their children went for Umrah. They left eight days ago. They had completed their pilgrimage and were returning to Madina when the accident occurred around 1.30 am. The bus was engulfed in flames. They were scheduled to return on Saturday."

Among the deceased were Naseeruddin (70), his wife Akhter Begum (62), their son Salauddin (42), and daughters Amina (44), Rizwana (38), and Shabana (40), along with their children. Asif has urged for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, demanding accountability for those responsible.

INITIAL CASUALTY REPORTS

Preliminary reports from Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar indicate that the death toll could potentially rise, with estimates suggesting around 45 Indians may have perished in the incident. However, Saudi authorities have yet to confirm an official casualty figure, complicating identification due to the severe burns sustained by the victims.

Officials from the Indian Consulate in Jeddah are currently on-site to assist with identification efforts. According to the Telangana Hajj Committee, the deceased include ten children.

UMRAH PILGRIMAGE TURNED TRAGIC

The group of 54 pilgrims had embarked from Hyderabad to Jeddah on 9 November, intending to return on 23 November. Of this group, 46 were on the ill-fated bus, while others travelled separately. The accident occurred approximately 25 kilometres from Madina. Remarkably, one passenger, Shoaib, managed to survive by breaking a window and escaping. He suffered burns to his hands and is currently receiving medical treatment.

COMMUNITY IN MOURNING

Residents of Hyderabad who had family on the bus expressed their shock and sorrow as news of the accident spread. Mohammad Salman, whose six relatives were on board, reported that he had received distressing images from the scene. He recalled speaking with his family shortly before they ceased communication, as they were reportedly just two hours from Madina.

Another local, Mohammad Burhan, shared the harrowing account of Shoaib's escape, noting, "If he hadn’t jumped, he too would have been trapped."

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE AND SUPPORT

In response to the tragedy, the Telangana government has announced that Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammad Azharuddin will lead a team to Saudi Arabia to assist with relief efforts. The state has also decided that two relatives of each deceased individual will be flown to Saudi Arabia. In accordance with religious customs, the bodies will be buried in Saudi Arabia, and the government will provide an ex-gratia payment of 500,000 Indian Rupees to the families affected.

Azharuddin indicated that initial reports suggested the death toll might reach between 47 and 48, with many bodies described as "charred beyond recognition."

CONDOLENCES POUR IN

Expressions of sorrow have come from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, and Chief Ministers from various states, including Telangana’s A Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh’s N. Chandrababu Naidu, have conveyed their sympathies. PM Modi stated, "Deeply saddened by the accident in Madina involving Indian nationals. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones."

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge have also expressed their condolences and urged for coordinated support for the affected families.

As Hyderabad continues to mourn this devastating loss, families await confirmation and identification of their loved ones, while demanding clarification on how a sacred pilgrimage turned into a catastrophic event.