18 Hyderabad pilgrims among 45 dead in Saudi Arabia bus tragedy

A devastating bus accident in Saudi Arabia has claimed the lives of 45 passengers, including at least 18 residents of Hyderabad. The bus, carrying pilgrims traveling from Mecca to Madinah, collided with a diesel tanker and burst into flames, leaving only one survivor.

Among the victims was the extended family of retired railway employee Sheikh Nazeeruddin, who was traveling with three generations of his family - his wife, son, three daughters, and several grandchildren. All 18 members of the family are believed to have died in the tragedy. The exact cause of the collision is still unclear.

Nazeeruddin’s nephew, Mohammed Aslam, confirmed the family’s details and demanded a full investigation, including an inquiry into the travel agency that organized the pilgrimage. He added that Nazeeruddin’s other son currently lives in the United States.

The accident sent shockwaves across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who is currently in Russia, also conveyed his condolences and stated that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance to the affected families.

In Hyderabad, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy instructed officials to gather complete information about the victims and remain in constant touch with Saudi authorities. A special control room has been set up at the state secretariat to help families seeking information. The helpline numbers provided are: +91 79979 59754 and +91 99129 19545. The Indian Embassy helpline in Jeddah can be reached at 80024 40003.

The Telangana Cabinet has announced ₹5 lakh ex-gratia for the families of those who died. A government delegation - including Minister Azharuddin, an MIM MLA, and a senior official from the Minority Welfare Department - will be sent to Saudi Arabia. Families may choose to have the final rites performed in Saudi Arabia according to religious customs, and arrangements will be made for two family members of each victim to travel there.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Sajjanar confirmed that 54 people had departed from Hyderabad for the pilgrimage on November 9. While a few had traveled separately by car or stayed back in Mecca, 46 continued their journey in the ill-fated bus. Only one passenger, Mohammed Abdul Shoaib, survived and is receiving treatment in a Saudi hospital.

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi also expressed grief and stated that he had contacted several travel agencies to collect passenger lists and forwarded them to the Indian Embassy. He urged the central government to ensure that the bodies of the deceased are brought back to India if the families wish.