Bus Carrying Indian Umrah Pilgrims Involved in Accident in Saudi Arabia

A bus carrying Indian pilgrims returning from the holy city of Mecca was involved in a tragic accident in Saudi Arabia, leaving 42 passengers dead. Remarkably, one young Indian pilgrim, 24-year-old Mohammad Abdul Shoaib, survived the crash. According to multiple sources, Abdul Shoaib hails from Hyderabad, India. He has been admitted to a local hospital, though his current condition has not been disclosed.

The accident occurred late in the evening at around 11 pm local time, while the bus was en route from Mecca to Medina. Reports indicate that the vehicle collided with a fuel tanker, leading to the catastrophic loss of life. Following the incident, the Indian mission in Jeddah established a control room to provide assistance to the victims and coordinate support for their families.

India’s Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, who is currently on a visit to Russia, expressed his grief over the incident. He wrote on social media: “Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing maximum assistance to the affected Indian nationals and their families. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and we pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

The Chief Minister of Telangana, K. Chandrashekar Rao, also conveyed deep sorrow over the tragedy. His office stated that officials have been instructed to liaise with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy to obtain full details of the incident and to take immediate measures to assist the families of the victims.

This tragic event highlights the ongoing risks faced by pilgrims travelling long distances in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the importance of strict safety measures and coordinated support systems for international travellers during religious journeys.