Indian Umrah pilgrims die as bus crashes near Medina; 1 survivor
Indian Umrah pilgrims die as bus crashes near Medina; 1 survivor
A bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims collided with an oil tanker near Medina, Saudi Arabia, killing dozens and leaving one survivor as authorities coordinate aid.
A bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims from Mecca to Madinah collided with an oil tanker early Monday near Medina, Saudi Arabia, triggering a blaze that left many dead. Official figures vary across reports, but the incident killed 45-46 Indian pilgrims and left a lone survivor, Md Abdul Shoaib, in critical condition at a Saudi hospital.
Among the victims were Abdul Ghani Shirhatti, a Hubballi resident who had worked in Saudi Arabia for nearly 28 years, and Rahmat Bee, 80, from Bidar. Family members and officials in India mourned the loss as authorities rush to assist kin and arrange repatriation when possible.
The tragedy prompted government statements. An Andhra Governor-led high-level delegation was dispatched to Saudi Arabia to assess the situation. Telangana and Karnataka state authorities announced ex-gratia payments to the families of those who died, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, with Indian missions coordinating with Saudi authorities.
The bus, carrying Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad and other parts, was traveling from Mecca to Madinah when it collided with the oil tanker about 25 kilometers before Madinah. The fire consumed the vehicle within minutes, making rescue efforts swift but deeply challenging.
Ambulances and consular teams are working to support families and begin the process of repatriation where possible. The incident underscores the risks associated with overseas religious travel and has sparked discussions on safety for group pilgrimages.
Cover image source: Saudi Arabia bus crash: Hubballi resident among the dead 🔗
