Dozens of Indian Pilgrims Killed in Bus Crash Near Medina
MEDINA,Saudi Arabia – A bus carrying Indian pilgrims crashed near Medina,saudi Arabia,on Sunday,November 10,resulting in the deaths of at least 36 people and injuries to others,officials confirmed. The pilgrims were traveling to visit the Prophet’s Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites.
The group, largely from Hyderabad in Telangana state, India, had been undertaking the Umrah pilgrimage – a shorter, year-round alternative to the Hajj. The accident underscores the risks faced by pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia and has prompted a swift response from both Indian and Saudi authorities to provide assistance to the victims’ families and investigate the cause of the collision.
According to Telangana government officials, 54 pilgrims departed Hyderabad for Jeddah on November 9.Four remained in Mecca, while four traveled to Medina by car. The remaining 46 were aboard the bus involved in the crash.
Authorities say an oil tanker was involved in the accident, but further details remain unclear. Mohammed Sajjanar, a Telangana official coordinating rescue efforts, confirmed the details of the group’s travel arrangements.
Indian Prime Minister narendra Modi expressed his deep sadness over the incident in a post on X, stating that Indian authorities are in close contact with Saudi officials and providing all possible assistance through the indian Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah.
Control rooms have been established in Jeddah and Hyderabad to support the families of those affected. Asaduddin Owaisi, a Member of Parliament representing Hyderabad, has requested federal government assistance in repatriating the bodies of the victims to India.
Mohammed Tehseen,a Hyderabad resident,told news agency ANI that seven of his relatives were on the bus. He learned of the tragedy from his relative, Shoaib, who survived the crash and is currently hospitalized.
