Riyadh — A tragic bus accident in Saudi Arabia has left 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims dead, with only one survivor, according to initial reports from local authorities on Monday.
The bus, carrying pilgrims traveling from Makkah to Madinah, reportedly overturned and caught fire after a suspected technical failure. Emergency teams rushed to the scene, but the intensity of the blaze made rescue operations extremely challenging.
Saudi civil defense officials confirmed that only one passenger was pulled out alive and is currently receiving critical medical care at a nearby hospital.
Indian authorities, including the Consulate General of India in Jeddah, have begun coordinating with Saudi officials to identify the victims and provide support to the families. Arrangements for repatriation of bodies are also underway.
A formal investigation into the cause of the crash has been launched by Saudi authorities.
This devastating incident marks one of the deadliest road accidents involving foreign pilgrims in recent years.
