Indian authorities confirmed on Monday that 45 Muslim pilgrims from India lost their lives in a devastating overnight bus crash in Saudi Arabia, leaving only one survivor out of the 46 passengers on board.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar described the incident as “deeply distressing,” noting that many of the victims were believed to be from Hyderabad. The tragic crash occurred near the holy city of Madina, where pilgrims were traveling for religious purposes.
The Indian embassy in Riyadh and the consulate in Jeddah have launched immediate support efforts for the victims and their families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on X, stating that his thoughts were with the grieving families and that he prayed for the recovery of the injured.
Saudi Arabia, which hosts over two million Indian nationals, frequently sees millions of visitors for Umrah pilgrimages conducted outside the Hajj season. However, fatal accidents have occurred in the past — including a 2019 bus collision near Madina that killed 35 foreigners, and a 2023 bus fire near Makkah that claimed 20 lives.
The latest tragedy once again highlights the risks faced by pilgrims traveling long distances across the kingdom.
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