Final Rites Performed for Indian Pilgrims in Madinah
The last rites for the 44 Indian nationals who lost their lives in the tragic Madinah bus accident were solemnly performed on Saturday, November 22, in Saudi Arabia. The deceased pilgrims were laid to rest at the sacred Jannat ul Baqi cemetery in Madinah, a site of profound religious significance.
High-Level Indian Delegation Pays Respects
A high-level Indian delegation was present to offer prayers and support. The funeral prayers at the Prophet's Mosque and the subsequent burial were attended by the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Justice S. Abdul Nazeer, the Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Khan, and the Consul General, Fahad Suri.
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia confirmed the details in an official post on X, expressing its deep condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
Diplomatic Outreach and Saudi Assurances
During his visit, Governor Nazeer engaged in crucial diplomatic meetings with Saudi authorities. He met with Abdulmohsen bin Naif bin Humaid, the Acting Governor of Madinah, and held a telephonic conversation with Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Governor of Madinah.
The Indian Embassy stated that the Saudi authorities conveyed their heartfelt condolences and assured full support. The Indian side expressed its gratitude for the assistance provided by the Kingdom's leadership and all concerned authorities.
Recounting the Tragic Accident
The devastating incident involved a group of 54 pilgrims from Hyderabad who had embarked on an Umrah pilgrimage tour on November 9. While traveling to visit holy sites, their bus collided with an oil tanker approximately 25 km before reaching Madinah.
The impact caused a massive explosion, and the vehicle was engulfed in flames within minutes. Of the 54 pilgrims, four had traveled to Madinah separately, and four others had remained in Makkah. Tragically, 45 of the 46 pilgrims on the bus died at the spot. The sole survivor of the horrific crash is Md Abdul Shoaib.
