45 Indian Pilgrims Killed in Saudi Arabia Bus Inferno After Collision with Diesel Tanker

A devastating overnight bus accident in Saudi Arabia has claimed the lives of 45 Indian Muslim pilgrims, with police in India confirming the tragic death toll and the near-complete loss of a group returning from the holy city of Makkah.

The group was reportedly travelling from Makkah to Medina after completing their rituals when the bus collided with a diesel tanker approximately 25 kilometres before reaching Medina.

According to preliminary reports, the collision resulted in the bus bursting into a massive fire, leaving the passengers little chance to escape.

V C Sajjanar, Police Commissioner for the city of Hyderabad, where many of the deceased pilgrims hailed from, confirmed the tragedy.

“The tragic bus accident involving Indian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia is deeply distressing,” Sajjanar told reporters. “According to preliminary information, 46 people were travelling in the bus at the time of the incident, and heartbreakingly, only one person survived.”

Sources indicate that many passengers were asleep at the time of the 1:30 AM local time crash, contributing to the high number of fatalities as the vehicle was quickly engulfed by flames.

The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has established a 24×7 control room to assist families seeking information about their loved ones. Hyderabad Police have also set up a special control room to support the bereaved families.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior officials have expressed deep condolences, ensuring that the Indian embassy in Riyadh and consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance to the lone survivor and coordinating with Saudi authorities on the handling of the mortal remains.