A 24-year-old man from Hyderabad has emerged as the sole survivor of the devastating bus accident that killed 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims near Medina on Monday. The survivor, identified as Mohd Abdul Shoiab, was reportedly seated close to the driver at the time of the collision. According to reports, the bus, travelling from Mecca to Medina, crashed into a diesel tanker in the early hours of the morning.
Shoaib has been admitted to a hospital in Saudi Arabia. His current medical condition remains unclear, officials said. Authorities believe that around 46 passengers were on board when the bus struck the oil tanker at approximately 1:30 am IST. Following the accident, the Indian Consulate in Jeddah set up an emergency control room to coordinate assistance and provide information to families.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who is presently in Russia, said he was “deeply shocked” by the tragedy. He assured that the Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah were extending full support to Indian nationals and affected families. He also offered condolences and prayed for the recovery of the injured.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed similar anguish after learning that several residents of Hyderabad were among the victims. His office stated that the Chief Minister had instructed the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police to gather detailed information about the pilgrims involved. Officials have also been asked to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy to ensure immediate relief measures.
According to an official statement, Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao has already spoken with Resident Commissioner Gaurav Uppal in New Delhi and issued necessary directions. A dedicated control room has also been set up at the Telangana Secretariat to track developments, support families, and consolidate information as authorities work with central agencies on the response.
