Medina, Saudi Arabia – A devastating accident in Medina has claimed the lives of dozens of pilgrims from India. The tragic incident occurred early Monday morning as their bus, en route from Mecca to Medina for religious visits, collided with a fuel tanker.
Reports indicate that approximately 42 Indian pilgrims perished in the horrific crash. This marks one of the deadliest incidents involving pilgrims in recent years.
Initial information suggests that only one passenger survived the impact. There are fears the death toll may rise as the survivor is critically injured.
Among the victims are reportedly 20 women and 11 children, many of whom hailed from Hyderabad, India. The news has cast a pall of grief over their families and communities.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that it is closely monitoring the situation. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are providing all necessary assistance, including identifying the deceased and facilitating the repatriation of remains.
India’s Prime Minister has expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has established a dedicated operations center to coordinate relief efforts and communicate with relatives in India.
Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the accident. Authorities in Saudi Arabia are emphasizing the importance of adhering to traffic safety regulations, particularly during the Umrah season when there is increased traffic between Mecca and Medina.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with road travel, especially during periods of peak pilgrimage. DZWatch will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
