Eighteen members of a single family from Hyderabad were among the 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims who tragically lost their lives in a bus accident in Saudi Arabia on Monday. The incident occurred around 1:30 am while the bus was en route from Mecca to Medina, when it collided with a diesel tanker. The subsequent explosion engulfed the vehicle in flames, resulting in the death of all passengers except for one 24-year-old man from Hyderabad, who survived and is currently hospitalized.
The devastating news has left Hyderabad in shock, as families grapple with the loss of their loved ones and attempt to identify the charred remains of those who perished. Reports indicate that the family had traveled to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, completing their pilgrimage before the accident. Mohammed Asif, a relative, shared that they had been in touch with their loved ones until the crash occurred. He recounted, “My sister-in-law, brother-in-law, their son, three daughters, and their children left for Umrah eight days ago. They were on their way back to Medina when the accident happened.”
Asif identified several family members who died, including Naseeruddin, 70, his wife Akhter Begum, 62, their son Salauddin, 42, and three daughters, Amina, 44, Rizwana, 38, and Shabana, 40, along with their children. A relative called for an investigation into the travel agency that organized the pilgrimage, expressing frustration over the government’s perceived lack of transparency regarding the incident.
Around 16 of the deceased pilgrims had booked their trips through two Hyderabad-based travel agencies: Al-Meena Hajj and Umrah Travels. Many families received distressing images and videos from the crash site, creating a sense of helplessness back in Hyderabad. Mohammad Salman, who lost six family members, reported losing contact with them just two hours before the crash.
Among those affected was Sabiha Begum, whose family, including her son Irfan Ahmed, his wife Humera Nazneen, and their small children, were also killed. Family members recalled them visiting just days prior to their journey, sharing excitement for the pilgrimage which turned into a tragedy.
Authorities detailed that the tragic incident claimed the lives of 43 from Hyderabad, two from Cyberabad, and one from Hubballi in Karnataka, with casualties consisting of 18 men, 18 women, and 10 children. Syed Ghulam Afzal Biyabani, Chairman of the Telangana State Hajj Committee, stated that while the committee does not regulate private tour operators directly, they are prepared to assist families in need.
In response to the tragedy, the Telangana government announced that Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammad Azharuddin would be traveling to Saudi Arabia to facilitate relief efforts. They are also arranging for two family members of each victim to fly to Saudi Arabia to provide support during this difficult time. The deceased will be buried in Saudi Arabia according to religious customs, and the state has designated Rs 5 lakh as ex-gratia assistance for the victims’ families.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has instructed officials to maintain close communication with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy to ensure all necessary aid is provided. To assist families in getting information, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah has set up a 24/7 control room with designated helpline numbers.
In light of this tragedy, prominent figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various state Chief Ministers, have expressed their condolences. Modi remarked on his sorrow regarding the accident involving Indian nationals, voicing support for the grieving families. Additionally, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged a coordinated governmental effort to ensure timely support for those affected.
Original Source: https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/saudi-arabia-medinah-bus-crash-hyderabad-family-13951623.html
Category: India
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-11-18 10:23:00
