Riyadh -A tragic road accident in Saudi Arabia early Monday morning has left 45 people from Hyderabad feared dead after a bus carrying pilgrims from Mecca to Medina collided with an oil tanker coming from the opposite direction. The crash caused a massive fire, gutting the vehicle and leaving almost no chance for those on board to escape.
According to initial reports, all passengers were on a religious tour. Of the 46 individuals travelling in the ill-fated bus, only one person survived. The remaining 45 passengers were killed instantly in the violent impact and ensuing blaze.
Authorities identified the sole survivor as Mohammad Abdul Shoaib, who suffered injuries and was rushed to a nearby facility. He is currently being treated in the ICU of the Saudi German Hospital, Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar confirmed. The bodies of the deceased have been moved to a local hospital for further procedures.
The group had originally consisted of 54 pilgrims who travelled from Hyderabad to Jeddah on November 9. Four members had opted to travel to Medina by car on Sunday, while another four stayed back in Mecca, leaving 46 aboard the bus at the time of the accident.
The tragedy prompted immediate reactions from leaders across India. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock and conveyed his condolences to the grieving families.
He also ordered the establishment of a control room at Telangana Bhavan in New Delhi to coordinate updates. The state government is in close contact with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned the loss of lives, writing on X: “Deeply saddened by the accident in Medinah involving Indian nationals. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with Saudi Arabian authorities.”
Also Read | Saudi Arabia abolishes 50-Year-Old Kafala System
Indian officials and Saudi authorities are coordinating efforts to manage the aftermath of the deadly crash, support survivors, and assist families awaiting updates.
