Victims of one of Saudi Arabia’s deadliest transport crashes laid to rest at Jannat Al-Baqi

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Funeral prayers were held on Saturday at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina for more than 40 Indian Umrah pilgrims who died last week in one of the deadliest transport accidents involving foreign worshippers in Saudi Arabia.

Sheikh Abdul Bari Thubaity led the Janazah prayers after Dhuhr as rows of mourners gathered to honour the victims — many of them from Hyderabad — before their burial at Jannat Al-Baqi, the historic cemetery beside the mosque.

The pilgrims had been travelling from Mecca to Medina when their bus collided with a diesel tanker late Monday, sparking a fire that left just one survivor. Saudi and Indian officials confirmed that at least 45 passengers were on board.

V.C. Sajjanar, a senior police official in Telangana, described the incident as “heartbreaking,” noting that most of the deceased came from only two extended families.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves across India, especially in Hyderabad, a major hub for Umrah travellers.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X that he was “deeply saddened,” adding: “My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured.”

Indian diplomats in Riyadh and Jeddah said they are working closely with Saudi authorities and have opened a 24-hour helpline for affected families. Modi said “all possible assistance” is being provided.

Source: Gulf News