A tragic road accident near Medina in Saudi Arabia has claimed the lives of 42 Indian pilgrims, including 18 members of a single family from Hyderabad — nine of them children. The family had travelled for Umrah and was scheduled to return home on Saturday, relatives said.
“My sister-in-law, brother-in-law, their son, three daughters and their children went for Umrah. They left eight days ago. The Umrah was done, and they were returning to Medina. Around 1.30 am, the accident occurred, and the bus was destroyed in the fire. They were supposed to return on Saturday,” said Mohammed Asif, a relative of the victims.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Asif said they had been in regular contact with their family members until the tragedy unfolded. “Eighteen members of one family — nine adults and nine children — have died. It is a terrible tragedy for us,” he said.
He identified some of the victims as Naseeruddin (70), his wife Akhter Begum (62), their son Salauddin (42), daughters Amina (44), Rizwana (38), and Shabana (40), along with their children.
At the family’s home in Ramnagar, grief engulfed the neighbourhood as relatives gathered. When someone brought in the house keys from a neighbour, Naseeruddin’s sister broke down upon entering the now-empty home. “My brother’s entire family has been wiped out,” she cried.
Most of the victims in the crash were residents of Hyderabad. According to initial reports, the bus carrying the pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker about 30 kilometres from Medina. The impact triggered a massive fire, and with many passengers asleep at the time of the crash, they were unable to escape in time.
Authorities are continuing investigations as families in India mourn the devastating loss.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
