Saudi Arabia: A 24-year-old Hyderabad resident has been identified as the sole survivor of Monday’s devastating bus accident near Medina that claimed 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims’ lives. Mohd Abdul Shoiab was reportedly seated near the driver when the bus collided with a diesel tanker while traveling from Mecca to Medina.
Saudi Arabia Accident Details
Approximately 46 people were aboard the bus when it struck an oil tanker around 1:30 AM IST. Shoiab has been hospitalized, though his medical condition remains undisclosed, according to sources.
The Indian mission in Jeddah immediately established a control room to coordinate emergency assistance.
Government Response
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, currently visiting Russia, expressed profound shock over the tragedy. “Our embassy in Riyadh and consulate in Jeddah are giving fullest support to Indian nationals and families affected by this accident,” he stated.
“Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” Jaishankar added via social media.
State-Level Action
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy reacted immediately upon receiving preliminary information that Hyderabad residents were among the victims. He directed the chief secretary and director general of police to obtain comprehensive details.
Reddy’s office announced he “has instructed officials to contact the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy regarding this incident and to immediately undertake necessary relief measures.”
Coordination Efforts
“Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao has promptly spoken with Coordination Secretary Gaurav Uppal in Delhi and issued the required directives,” the Chief Minister’s office confirmed on X (formerly Twitter).
A dedicated control room has been established at the Secretariat “to monitor details and relief measures regarding this incident on an ongoing basis, to provide information to the families and relatives,” officials stated.
Umrah Pilgrimage Context
The victims were performing Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken year-round, unlike Hajj which occurs during specific dates. The Mecca-Medina route is heavily traveled by pilgrims visiting Islam’s two holiest cities.
The accident represents one of the deadliest incidents involving Indian nationals abroad in recent years, prompting coordinated responses from diplomatic missions and state governments to support affected families.
