Indian pilgrims traveling on Umrah pilgrimages were killed on Monday morning when a bus carrying Indian nationals collided with a diesel tanker near Medina and caused massive fire, with several fatalities as a result of this collision, according to news from The Indian Express and AP News. The number of deaths involved remains unclear but grief-stricken Indian officials have demanded swift diplomatic responses.
Indian officials estimate at least 45 pilgrims died when a bus overturned and caught fire between Mecca and Medina around 1:30 am India Standard Time on September 1. Most of those aboard came from Hyderabad in Telangana State; only one survivor is receiving hospital care, according to Gulf News (T-NI) + The Times of India.
Officials state 54 pilgrims from Hyderabad were returning home after fulfilling their religious rites when the accident took place on November 9 near Mufrihat village, some 25 km outside Medina. Gulf News has reported on this incident.
One extended family from Hyderabad was among those killed, according to reports; 18 members across three generations — nine children — from this family died while riding the bus, leaving communities back home in shock and dismay.
This event sent shockwaves through local communities.
As reported by The Indian Express:
Responding to this tragedy, Indian government and Telangana state authorities have implemented assistance measures. Furthermore, Consulate General of India-Jeddah has set up 24-hour control room and helpline numbers for families of victims as well as coordination with Saudi agencies.
The Economic Times
Meanwhile, Telangana Chief Minister KCR has announced an ex gratia payment of Rs5 lakh (INR) per family of each deceased and plans to send a delegation to Saudi Arabia to arrange repatriation or last rites for those killed there. The Times of India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India expressed his deep sorrow on social media, noting that both India’s Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance to victims and their families affected. He asked that authorities act swiftly in providing proper medical attention for injuries sustained as well as providing support for families left behind. At Dawn on Nov 19, a series of attacks were reported across Saudi Arabia which caused serious casualties and injured. The attack took place within the Saudi Embassy building which has all offices of India providing all possible assistance as it continues on social media.
+1 This tragedy has also provoked international condolences; in particular, Iran’s Embassy of New Delhi issued its condolences over the loss of life in this tragic accident.
This crash of The Hans India points out ongoing safety concerns regarding pilgrim transport in Saudi Arabia. According to past reports, traveling around holy sites by road can be treacherous due to high traffic volumes, remote terrain, and increased pilgrimage activity during pilgrimage seasons.
Indian and Saudi authorities will join efforts in investigating the cause of the accident — such as whether road conditions, vehicle maintenance issues or driver fatigue all played a part. Meanwhile, families remain desperate to confirm all victims and arrange the return or burial according to religious traditions.
Communities impacted by this tragedy have suffered irreparable loss: what was meant to be a spiritual pilgrimage turned into a night of mourning. Timely government support will be key in providing closure and safeguards against similar tragedies in future pilgrimage travel.