A tragic bus crash in Saudi Arabia has claimed the lives of 45 Indian pilgrims travelling to the holy city of Medina. The devastating incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning.
Details of the Tragic Collision
The collision involved a bus carrying 46 Indian nationals on an Umrah pilgrimage and a diesel tanker. It happened around 1:30 am local time near Mufrihat, a location approximately 160 kilometres from Medina.
The impact was catastrophic, causing the bus to burst into flames. Many of the passengers were asleep at the time of the crash, which contributed to the high number of fatalities. The sole survivor is currently receiving medical treatment in a local hospital.
Victims and Immediate Aftermath
All of the deceased were from the Hyderabad region in the Indian state of Telangana. The intensity of the fire left the bodies severely charred, creating significant challenges for identification.
In response to the disaster, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound sadness. The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has established a control room to assist the victims' families, as has the Telangana Bhawan in New Delhi.
Ongoing Diplomatic and Repatriation Efforts
Indian officials are now working closely with Saudi authorities to manage the aftermath. The primary focus is on the formal identification process and the subsequent repatriation of the remains to India.
This coordination is crucial for providing closure and support to the grieving families affected by one of the deadliest road accidents involving Indian pilgrims abroad in recent years.
