Solemn Farewell for Pilgrims
The last rites for 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims who lost their lives in a devastating bus accident near Madinah, Saudi Arabia, were performed on Saturday, November 22, 2025. The ceremonies, marked by profound grief, saw the attendance of relatives, community members, and high-ranking officials from both India and Saudi Arabia. The victims were laid to rest at the revered Jannat ul Baqi cemetery after funeral prayers at the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid-e-Nabawi).
Details of the Tragic Accident
The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, November 17, 2025, when a bus carrying 46 Indian pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker approximately 25 kilometers before Madinah. The impact led to an explosion, engulfing the bus in flames within minutes. Of the 46 passengers, 45 tragically perished, with only one survivor, Md Abdul Shoaib, who is currently receiving treatment. The pilgrims, mostly from Hyderabad, Telangana, were on their way from Makkah to Madinah as part of an Umrah pilgrimage. The deceased included 17 males, 18 females, and 10 children.
Attendance and Official Condolences
The funeral prayers and burial were attended by a high-level Indian delegation, including the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Justice S. Abdul Nazeer, Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr. Suhel Khan, and Consul General Fahad Suri. Telangana's Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin and Minorities Welfare Secretary B. Shafiullah were also present. Saudi officials, including the Acting Governor of Madinah, Abdulmohsen bin Naif bin Humaid, conveyed their condolences and assured full support to the Indian side.
Government Support and Investigation
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia expressed its deep condolences and affirmed its commitment to providing all possible assistance to the bereaved families. A 24/7 control room and a camp office were established by the Indian Consulate General in Jeddah to assist relatives with formalities and offer on-ground support. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also expressed their profound sadness over the tragedy. Saudi authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
9 Comments
Bella Ciao
Pilgrim safety should be paramount, not an afterthought. This is shameful!
Muchacha
How can a bus just 'collide' and explode? This sounds like gross negligence.
Mariposa
Another preventable tragedy. What good is an investigation after so many lives are lost?
Africa
It's truly devastating to hear about the loss of so many lives, and the official support is commendable. However, this tragedy highlights a critical need for stricter road safety regulations and enforcement, especially for pilgrim transport.
Coccinella
While the swift response from Indian and Saudi officials is appreciated, one has to wonder about the safety protocols in place for such large-scale pilgrimages. We need to ensure such incidents are thoroughly investigated to prevent future occurrences, not just offer condolences.
Muchacho
A truly devastating loss. My thoughts are with the survivor and the grieving families.
Africa
Heartbreaking news. Grateful for the swift support from both governments.
Habibi
The collective mourning and support shown by both nations are a testament to shared humanity in the face of tragedy. Still, the fact that 10 children were among the deceased demands a deeper look into how pilgrim safety, especially for vulnerable groups, can be drastically improved.
Coccinella
While the article focuses on the aftermath and official condolences, the sheer scale of the loss, particularly the explosion, raises serious questions about bus safety features and emergency preparedness. It's crucial that the investigation not only identifies causes but also mandates significant safety upgrades.