Governor S. Abdul Nazeer leads Indian team to Saudi Arabia after fatal pilgrim bus accident

A high-level delegation from India, led by Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer travelled to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday to oversee relief operations following the tragic bus accident that killed 45 Indian pilgrims near Madinah on November 17, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in an official statement.

The MEA said the Government of India has expressed its “profound sorrow” over the loss of lives, extending condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

The reason for Governor Nazeer’s visit, the ministry stated, is to “render fullest assistance and oversee relief measures in coordination with Saudi authorities, including the Ministry of Haj and Umrah.” In addition to supervising support efforts on the ground, the Governor and Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV & OIA), who will accompany him, are also expected to participate in the last rites of the victims.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are working closely with local authorities to expedite the identification of mortal remains. The Government of India is also facilitating travel for the families of the deceased to Saudi Arabia. The MEA noted that the government remains “fully committed” to ensuring swift and effective assistance for affected Indian nationals.

The accident occurred when the group of pilgrims, travelling from Makkah to Madinah, collided with an oil tanker roughly 25 km before Madinah. The impact triggered an explosion, and the bus was engulfed in flames within minutes.

The pilgrims were part of a 54-member group from Hyderabad that had departed for Jeddah on November 9 for an Umrah tour scheduled until November 23. Four members had travelled separately to Madinah by car, and another four stayed behind in Makkah for personal reasons. The remaining 46 pilgrims boarded the ill-fated bus. Of them, 45 died at the scene, while the lone survivor, Md Abdul Shoaib, managed to escape the blaze.

The visit of the Governor marks a significant step in India’s efforts to provide on-ground support, coordinate with Saudi agencies, and ensure dignified handling of the remains and rituals for the deceased pilgrims.