A devastating road accident in Saudi Arabia has claimed the lives of 42 Indian pilgrims returning from Umrah, leaving only one passenger alive. The sole survivor, Mohammad Abdul Shoaib, aged 24, is from Hyderabad, India, and was immediately admitted to a local hospital following the crash. While the full extent of his injuries remains unclear, his survival offers a small measure of relief amid the tragedy.
The accident occurred at approximately 11 pm local time when the bus, carrying pilgrims from Mecca to Medina, collided with a fuel tanker. The impact was catastrophic, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. In response, the Indian mission in Jeddah has established a control room to support the victims and assist their families in navigating the aftermath of the disaster.
Expressing his condolences, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, stated that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance. “Heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. We wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” he wrote on social media while on an official visit to Russia.
Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao also expressed his deep sorrow. His office confirmed that directives have been issued to liaise closely with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy to ensure swift and necessary measures for those affected.
The incident draws attention to the hazards faced by pilgrims undertaking long-distance journeys in Saudi Arabia, particularly during nighttime travel involving large passenger vehicles and fuel transport. Authorities have reiterated the need for enhanced road safety measures, stricter regulations, and robust support mechanisms for international pilgrims to prevent such tragedies in the future.