HYDERABAD, India (Diya TV) — A tragic bus crash in Saudi Arabia has taken the lives of 42 Indian pilgrims, including 18 members of a single family from Hyderabad. The accident has left an entire community in deep shock and grief as families struggle to comprehend the scale of the loss.
Eighteen members of one Hyderabad family, spanning three generations, died in the crash near Medina. Nine of them were children. Their relatives said the family left for Umrah eight days earlier and had completed the pilgrimage. They were on their way back to Medina when the accident happened.
Mohammed Asif, a relative, said the group stayed in constant touch with their family until the tragedy struck. He said his sister-in-law, brother-in-law, their children, and grandchildren were among the victims. The deceased include Naseeruddin, 70, his wife Akhter Begum, 62, their son Salauddin, 42, daughters Amina, 44, Rizwana, 38, and Shabana, 40, along with their children.
Asif said the family was preparing to welcome them home on Saturday. Instead, they now face an unimaginable loss. At the family’s home in Ramnagar, relatives broke down as they entered the now-empty house. “My brother’s entire family has been wiped out,” Naseeruddin’s sister cried.
Most of the 42 victims were from Hyderabad. Reports said the bus collided with a diesel tanker about 30 kilometers from Medina. The impact caused a massive fire. Many passengers were asleep at the time and could not escape.
Local authorities responded to the scene, but the fire spread quickly. The intense flames destroyed the bus, leaving survivors with severe injuries. Saudi officials are investigating the cause of the crash.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He posted on X that he was “deeply saddened” and extended condolences to the families. He also wished a quick recovery for the injured. Modi said Indian officials in Riyadh and Jeddah are working closely with Saudi authorities and offering support.
The Indian Consulate in Jeddah set up a 24/7 control room after the accident. Officials shared a toll-free helpline number for families seeking information. The consulate said it is coordinating with Saudi authorities to identify the victims and assist relatives.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also expressed grief. He directed senior state officials to stay in touch with the Indian consulate. He said the government will support the affected families and prayed for their strength during this difficult time.
The news has shaken Hyderabad, where many of the victims lived in close-knit neighborhoods. People gathered at the homes of the grieving families to offer support and prayers.
The deaths of three generations from one family have amplified the tragedy. Relatives said the group was excited about their pilgrimage and had sent updates until hours before the accident. They never imagined a routine journey back to Medina would become fatal.
The community has described the loss as one of the worst in recent memory. Many residents said they felt helpless as they waited for official updates. Families now face the painful task of bringing home the remains of their loved ones.
The process of identifying victims and completing formalities may take time due to the severity of the fire. Indian officials said they are working around the clock to assist families and ensure smooth procedures.
