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Hyderabad Pilgrim Tragedy: 45 Dead in Saudi Bus Fire After Oil Tanker Crash

A devastating bus fire near Medina has claimed the lives of 45 pilgrims from Hyderabad who were returning after performing Umrah. The tragedy occurred when their bus collided with an oil tanker just 25 kilometers from Medina, causing the vehicle to burst into flames. Only one pilgrim survived the horrific accident and is currently receiving medical treatment in a Saudi hospital. The Indian government has established emergency measures including a control room and travel arrangements for victims' families to facilitate identification and burial procedures.

Key Points: 45 Hyderabad Pilgrims Killed in Saudi Arabia Bus Fire Accident

  • Bus carrying 46 pilgrims caught fire after collision with oil tanker near Medina
  • Only one survivor, Mohammed Abdul Shoaib, receiving medical treatment in hospital
  • Victims included 17 men, 18 women and 10 children from Hyderabad neighborhoods
  • Government opening control room and arranging travel for victims' family members
2 min read

45 pilgrims from Hyderabad killed in Saudi bus tragedy: Police Commissioner

Tragic bus fire near Medina claims 45 Hyderabad pilgrims' lives after collision with oil tanker. Only one survivor reported as families await identification.

"The bodies were charred beyond recognition. A DNA test is also likely to be conducted to identify the victims. - Mohammed Azharuddin"

Hyderabad, Nov 17

As many as 45 Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad died when a bus carrying them caught fire after a collision with an oil tanker near Madina in Saudi Arabia.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar told media persons that, as per the information received, one pilgrim, Mohammed Abdul Shoaib, survived and was undergoing treatment at a hospital.

He said a group of 54 pilgrims from Hyderabad had left for Jeddah on November 9 and were scheduled to return on November 23.

After performing ‘Umrah’ (mini pilgrimage) in Mecca, the pilgrims left for Medina on Sunday night. When the bus was about 25 km away from Medina, it caught fire after colliding with an oil tanker.

“Four pilgrims had stayed back in Mecca while four others left for Medina in a car. The bus was carrying 46 pilgrims,” he said.

The victims include 17 males, 18 females and 10 children. Most of the pilgrims were from Asif Nagar, Jhirra, Mehdipatnam and Toli Chowki areas of Hyderabad.

Minister for minority welfare Mohammed Azharuddin said, as per the information received, 47-48 people died in the accident.

He said a control room has been opened at Haj House to provide information to families of the victims.

The minister said the government would make arrangements to send at least one person from every family of the deceased. The government will arrange passports if those who want to travel do not have passports.

Azharuddin said the bodies were charred beyond recognition. A DNA test is also likely to be conducted to identify the victims.

He said he spoke to the Indian Counsel General, who told him arrangements would be made for the burial of the victims in Saudi Arabia. He said that usually, pilgrims who die in Saudi Arabia are buried there

He said Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed them to provide all possible assistance to the families of victims.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Terrible tragedy! My prayers with all the families. Good that the government is arranging for family members to travel and helping with passports. But we need better safety regulations for pilgrimage tours - these operators should be held accountable.
M
Meera T
So many children among the victims 😢 This is devastating. The survivor, Mohammed Abdul Shoaib, must be traumatized. Hope he gets proper counseling and support. The DNA testing for identification is necessary but such a painful process for families.
A
Arjun K
While I appreciate the government's response, why are such accidents becoming common? We need stricter safety audits for pilgrimage tour operators. Many families take loans for these trips - now they've lost everything. Proper investigation needed.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has family in Hyderabad, this hits close to home. The control room at Haj House is a good initiative. Hope they provide timely updates and psychological support to the grieving families. Such a massive loss for the community.
V
Vikram M
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. These pilgrims went for spiritual journey and met with such tragic end. The burial in Saudi Arabia as per tradition is appropriate. Hope the authorities ensure proper compensation and long-term support for the families left behind.

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