NewKerala.com

Kerala Family's Umrah Pilgrimage Ends in Tragedy with Saudi Road Accident

A family from Kerala's Malappuram district met with a devastating accident in Saudi Arabia shortly after completing the Umrah pilgrimage. Four members, including a 14-year-old boy, were killed instantly when their car collided with a truck on the highway near Madinah. Three daughters of the family survived but sustained serious, critical injuries and are hospitalized. The tragedy has deeply shocked their hometown in India, with the local community and expatriate organizations mobilizing support while coordinating the repatriation of the deceased.

Key Points: Kerala Family Killed in Saudi Accident After Umrah

  • Family returning from Umrah
  • Four killed on the spot
  • Three daughters critically injured
  • Community in deep grief and shock
2 min read

Four members of Kerala family killed in accident in Saudi Arabia after returning from Umrah

Four family members from Kerala died in a Saudi road accident after completing Umrah. Three daughters were critically injured. Learn about the tragedy and community response.

"The pilgrimage, considered a deeply spiritual journey for Muslims, had been completed shortly before the fatal accident occurred."

Malappuram, Jan 4

Four members of a family from Manjeri in Kerala's Malappuram district were killed in a tragic road accident in Madina, Saudi Arabia, plunging their relatives and the local community into deep grief.

The victims were identified as Abdul Jaleel (52), a native of Vellila in Manjeri; his mother Maimunath Kakkengal (73); his wife Thasna Thodengal (40); and their 14-year-old son Aadhil Jaleel.

All four died on the spot on Saturday evening due to the impact of the collision, according to preliminary reports received from Saudi Arabia.

The accident occurred while the family was travelling by car from Mecca to Jeddah after completing Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage. Their vehicle reportedly collided with a truck on the highway near Madinah, resulting in severe damage.

The exact cause of the accident is yet to be officially confirmed by Saudi authorities. Three other members of the family -- Ayisha, Hadiya and Noorah, the daughters of Abdul Jaleel, sustained serious injuries in the crash. They are currently undergoing treatment at different hospitals in Saudi Arabia and are said to be in critical condition.

Hospital sources indicated that the injured girls are under close medical observation, and further updates on their condition are awaited.

Abdul Jaleel was employed in Jeddah and had been living in Saudi Arabia for several years. His family members had recently travelled to the country on a tourist visa with the sole purpose of performing Umrah.

The pilgrimage, considered a deeply spiritual journey for Muslims, had been completed shortly before the fatal accident occurred. News of the tragedy has sent shockwaves through Manjeri and nearby areas, where the family is well-known.

Relatives, neighbours and community members gathered at the family home in Vellila as messages of condolence poured in from across the district and from the Kerala diaspora in the Gulf.

Efforts are reportedly underway to coordinate with Saudi authorities regarding legal formalities and the repatriation of the bodies. Kerala-based expatriate organisations and community groups in Saudi Arabia have also stepped in to assist the bereaved family during this difficult time.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Tragic news. So many from Kerala work in the Gulf to provide for their families back home. For a family visit to end like this is a nightmare. Hope the Saudi authorities complete the investigation swiftly and help with repatriation. The expat organisations there are doing crucial work.
R
Rohit P
The highways in Saudi can be very dangerous, especially with heavy truck traffic. While the spiritual intent was pure, road safety is a critical issue that needs more attention for pilgrims and expats alike. Praying for the recovery of the injured sisters.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has lived in Jeddah, the drive between Mecca and Medina is long and tiring. Pilgrims are often exhausted after Umrah. This underscores the need for proper rest before long journeys. Such a devastating loss for that village in Kerala.
K
Karthik V
The report mentions the family was on a tourist visa. I hope the authorities and the employer are providing all necessary support for medical treatment and legal processes. The NRI community's strength is truly shown in times like these. #KeralaTragedy
M
Meera T
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. To lose an entire generation in one moment... what can one even say? The girls have lost their parents and brother. The community must rally around them for the long term, not just now. Strength to Manjeri.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50