By Atoyebi Nike
At least 42 Umrah pilgrims are feared dead after their bus smashed into a diesel tanker and went up in flames early Monday near Muhras on the Makkah–Medina highway. The crash occurred around 1:30 a.m. (IST), when most passengers were believed to be asleep. The fire, intensified by the tanker’s fuel, completely burned the bus, complicating efforts to identify victims.
Preliminary information indicates that the dead may include women and children, though final confirmation will rely on forensic checks. Only one person is believed to have survived the incident.
Saudi Civil Defence and Red Crescent teams described a grim scene of charred remains and scattered belongings as they worked for hours to clear the wreckage.
The Indian government activated emergency helplines in Riyadh and Jeddah and is working with Saudi authorities on identification and family support. India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, expressed shock and extended condolences, assuring that full assistance is being provided.
An official investigation is underway.
