42 Indian Pilgrims Killed Near Medina; 18 From One Hyderabad Family

• 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims killed in a road accident near Medina, Saudi Arabia
• 18 victims were from one Hyderabad family, including nine children
• Bus collided with a diesel tanker and caught fire, leaving passengers trapped
• PM Modi and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy express condolences; Indian mission opens control room

GG News Bureau
Medina, 17th Nov: Forty-two Indian Umrah pilgrims were killed in a devastating road accident near Medina in Saudi Arabia, with eighteen members of a single Hyderabad-based family among the victims. Nine of those from the family were children, their relatives confirmed.

The family had completed Umrah and was returning to Medina when the tragedy occurred. “My sister-in-law, brother-in-law, their son, three daughters and their children went eight days ago. Around 1.30 am, the accident occurred, and the bus was destroyed in the fire. They were supposed to return on Saturday,” Mohammed Asif told NDTV.

Asif said the family was in regular touch until the fatal crash. He identified some of the relatives as Naseeruddin (70), his wife Akhter Begum (62), son Salauddin (42), and daughters Amina (44), Rizwana (38), and Shabana (40), along with their children.

At the family’s home in Ramnagar, grief engulfed the neighbourhood as relatives arrived. “My brother’s entire family has been wiped out,” Naseeruddin’s sister wept upon entering the now-silent house.

Reports indicate most of the 42 victims were from Hyderabad. The bus, carrying pilgrims returning from Umrah, collided with a diesel tanker around 30 km from Medina. The crash happened when most passengers were asleep, leaving them unable to escape before the vehicle was engulfed in flames.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. “My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured,” he said on X, adding that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah were extending full support and coordinating with Saudi authorities.

The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has set up a 24×7 control room and helpline to assist families. “In view of a tragic bus accident near Medina, a control room has been set up,” the consulate posted on X, sharing the toll-free number 8002440003.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also conveyed condolences, directing officials to stay in touch with the Indian mission and ensure support to affected families. “The government will stand by the families. I pray they remain strong,” he said.

Authorities in Saudi Arabia continue to investigate the cause of the collision, as families in India prepare to cope with an unimaginable loss.