At least 45 people died after a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker near Madinah, sparking a major fire. The group had travelled from Hyderabad to Jeddah on November 9, with plans to return on November 23.
Of the 54 travellers, four went separately by car to Madinah and another four stayed back in Makkah. The remaining 46 were on the bus that crashed about 25 km from Madinah around 1:30 am IST near Mufrihat, shortly after completing their pilgrimage rituals, according to the Gulf News.
Only one passenger survived and is receiving hospital treatment. The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has set up a 24x7 control room for families, with a toll-free helpline at 8002440003. Follow live updates.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar provided details on the tragic bus accident in Saudi Arabia, which claimed at least 45 lives, most of them from Hyderabad. He said 54 people had travelled from the city to Jeddah on November 9, with plans to return on November 23.
Of the 54, four travelled separately by car to Madinah on Sunday, while another four remained in Makkah. The remaining 46 were on the bus that collided with an oil tanker about 25 km from Madinah. Only one passenger survived and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
"We are getting information that 45 people died. They were supposed to return to Hyderabad on 23rd (of November)," Sajjanar confirmed.
Following the bus tragedy in Saudi Arabia, Indian community volunteers have been active at hospitals, providing support to those affected. The Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah confirmed that they are coordinating with the Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministry, local authorities, and the relevant Umrah operators.
Officials also said they are working closely with the Telangana government to assist the families of the victims.
