HYDERABAD, Nov 17: At least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims are feared dead after a passenger bus collided with a diesel tanker on the Mecca–Medina highway in Saudi Arabia early Monday, causing a massive blaze that left several passengers trapped while they were asleep. The accident occurred around 1.30 am, and the intensity of the fire has made identification of victims extremely challenging, officials said.
Preliminary reports suggest that many of the deceased were Indian nationals travelling in small pilgrimage groups. Families across multiple states have begun receiving confirmation of loss as Indian authorities in Riyadh and Jeddah work to verify the full list of casualties.
Back home, senior state and central officials have taken urgent cognisance of the tragedy. They remain in close contact with the Consulate General of India in Jeddah and the Deputy Ambassador in Riyadh to ascertain the number of victims from each state and support families awaiting confirmation.
The Resident Commissioner and Coordination Secretary in New Delhi have been instructed to stay in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and facilitate communication for families, assist in identification procedures and coordinate possible repatriation of remains. The MEA is expected to issue a consolidated statement once Saudi authorities complete verification.
