Dozens of Indian Pilgrims Killed in Bus Crash En Route from Mecca to Medina
A tragic road accident in Saudi Arabia has claimed the lives of dozens of Indian pilgrims. According to reports, a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims from India collided with a fuel tanker in the Al-Mafrahat area while traveling from Mecca to Medina in the early hours of Monday. The collision triggered a massive fire that engulfed both vehicles.
Local media reported that more than 40 people were onboard the bus and that the intensity of the blaze left little chance for many passengers to escape.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences to the families of the victims and said the Indian government is in contact with Saudi authorities through its embassy and consulate. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar added that all necessary measures are being taken by India’s diplomatic channels to assist those affected and their families.
Following the incident, the Indian Consulate in Jeddah established an emergency operations room to coordinate rescue efforts, provide aid to the injured, and arrange for the repatriation of the victims’ remains. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash and to identify the victims.
Such incidents on Saudi Arabia’s roads, especially during the Hajj and Umrah seasons, have raised increasing concerns about the safety of pilgrims and the quality of oversight over transportation. The responsibility for ensuring road safety for the millions of pilgrims lies with the Saudi government, which has faced repeated criticism over insufficient safety measures.
