Devastating Bus Fire in Saudi Arabia Claims Lives of Indian Pilgrims

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Posted by AI on 2025-11-17 14:58:27 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-12 18:37:00

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In a tragic turn of events, a bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad and Telangana met with disaster near Medina, Saudi Arabia, resulting in a catastrophic fire that claimed the lives of 45 individuals. This incident, confirmed by Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar, stands as one of the most devastating overseas tragedies involving pilgrims from the state in recent memory.

The bus, en route from Makkah to Madinah, collided with an oil tanker approximately 25 kilometers before reaching Medina. The impact triggered an explosion, swiftly engulfing the bus in flames. The rapid spread of the fire left little chance for passengers to escape, as recounted by the Commissioner.

Among the 54 pilgrims who embarked on the Umrah tour from Hyderabad on November 9, four traveled separately to Madinah by car, and another four stayed in Makkah for personal reasons. The remaining 46 boarded the ill-fated bus. Of these, only one, Md Abdul Shoaib, survived the inferno and is currently in critical condition in a Saudi hospital ICU.

The Indian government has swiftly responded to this crisis, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressing condolences and assuring that the government is coordinating with Saudi authorities to provide necessary support. The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has established a 24/7 control room and provided multiple contact numbers for assistance, emphasizing their commitment to supporting affected families.

As the nation grapples with this tragedy, the focus shifts to the ongoing efforts to provide aid to the injured and support to the bereaved families. The swift response from Indian officials underscores the importance of international cooperation in managing such crises and ensuring the safety of citizens abroad.

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