45 Hyderabad Pilgrims Killed in Saudi Bus Tragedy: Police Commissioner

Hyderabad — At least 45 Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad lost their lives after a bus carrying them caught fire following a collision with an oil tanker near Madina in Saudi Arabia.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar informed reporters that only one passenger, Mohammed Abdul Shoaib, survived the accident and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.

A total of 54 pilgrims had left Hyderabad for Jeddah on November 9 and were scheduled to return on November 23. After completing their Umrah pilgrimage in Mecca, the group was travelling to Medina on Sunday night when the tragedy occurred. The bus caught fire roughly 25 km from Medina after hitting an oil tanker.

According to Sajjanar, four pilgrims had stayed back in Mecca, while another four travelled separately to Medina by car. The ill-fated bus was carrying 46 pilgrims.

The fatalities include 17 men, 18 women, and 10 children. Most of the victims were residents of Asif Nagar, Jhirra, Mehdipatnam, and Toli Chowki in Hyderabad.

Minister for Minority Welfare Mohammed Azharuddin stated that preliminary information indicated 47–48 deaths. A control room has been set up at Haj House to assist families seeking information.

Azharuddin said the government would facilitate travel for at least one family member of each deceased pilgrim. Passports will be arranged for those who do not have them. He added that the bodies were charred beyond recognition, and DNA tests may be required for identification.

He said he has spoken to the Indian Consul General, who confirmed that arrangements are being made for the burial of the victims in Saudi Arabia, where deaths of pilgrims are typically handled locally.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed officials to extend all possible support to the bereaved families.

With inputs from IANS