Hyderabad pilgrims among 42 Indian Umrah victims in Medina crash
Hyderabad pilgrims among 42 Indian Umrah victims in Medina crash
Officials say a bus-tanker crash near Medina claimed dozens of Indian pilgrims bound for Mecca, with Hyderabad families awaiting confirmation as India and Saudi authorities coordinate.
Saudi Arabia bus-tanker crash near Medina has claimed the lives of 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims, part of a group travelling from Mecca to Medina when the bus caught fire. Preliminary information indicates the blaze overwhelmed the vehicle, burning those inside.
Authorities in New Delhi say officials are in continuous touch with Saudi counterparts and Indian missions as more details emerge and identities are verified. Families in Hyderabad are anxiously awaiting official confirmation about relatives who may be among the victims.
From the travel group of 54 Umrah pilgrims, reports indicate that four travelled by car to Madinah on Sunday, while another four remained in Mecca, according to Hyderabad police.
Indian missions in Riyadh and Jeddah are coordinating with Saudi authorities to assist with identifications and consular support as investigators look into the cause of the fire and the broader safety measures for pilgrim travel.
Cover image source: Mecca Medina accident LIVE Updates: Jaishankar deeply shocked after accident involving Indians 🔗
