Bus Accident in Saudi: 45 Pilgrims Dead

A major tragedy unfolded in Saudi Arabia as 45 pilgrims from Hyderabad lost their lives in a horrific road accident near Madinah. A bus carrying the group collided with a diesel tanker, causing massive flames that engulfed the vehicle within minutes.

According to Hyderabad CP Sajjanar, a group of 54 people had travelled from Hyderabad to Jeddah on November 9 for a pilgrimage tour scheduled until November 23. Four members had already reached Madinah by car, and four stayed back in Makkah, while the remaining 46 began their journey by bus.

Around 25 km before reaching Madinah, the bus crashed into a fuel tanker, leading to an immediate fire. The incident occurred early in the morning when most passengers were asleep, resulting in heavy casualties. Only one person, Abdul Shoyab, survived and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.

Many of the victims are from areas like Mallepally, Bazaarghat, and Asifnagar in Hyderabad.
The Indian Embassy in Jeddah has set up a control room and is coordinating rescue operations.

The Haj Committee confirmed that the deceased include 18 women, 17 men, and 10 children. The group had travelled through four different travel agencies.