Umrah Bus Accident In Saudi Arabia: The horrific bus accident that took place on the Mecca-Medina Highway in Saudi Arabia has deeply shocked many families in India. The accident occurred when a bus full of passengers going for Umrah was hit from behind by a speeding fuel tanker. In this terrible accident, 45 Indian citizens lost their lives, which included women, men and children and most of them were residents of Hyderabad. After this tragic incident, the Telangana Cabinet has taken an important and sensitive decision that the mortal remains of those killed will no longer be brought to India.

Cremation will take place in Saudi only, bodies will not be brought to India

The Telangana government has announced that the bodies of 45 Indian pilgrims who lost their lives in the bus accident will be buried in Saudi Arabia as per their religious customs. This decision has been taken in view of the laws of Saudi Arabia and the rules of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. According to rules, the bodies of pilgrims who die on Saudi soil and sign a declaration before embarking on the journey are buried there.

The government has taken an emotional step for the families of the victims. Two members from each deceased family will be sent to Saudi Arabia to attend the last rites. The Government of India is in constant touch with the local authorities through the Indian Embassy in Riyadh so that all formalities can be completed as soon as possible.

The path to compensation is difficult and long

It is also very difficult for the families of the deceased to get immediate compensation. In Saudi Arabia, no direct compensation is given by the government in case of road accidents. Compensation can be received only when the police investigation proves that the accident was due to the fault of the tanker driver or his company. Even if fault is proven, the family will have to file a legal claim. This entire legal process can be quite lengthy and may take several months to complete. At present, the Telangana government has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each as consolation to the families of the deceased.

How did the tragic bus accident happen?

This accident happened near Muhras, about 25 kilometers from Madina, at around 1:30 am on Sunday night Indian time. The bus filled with Umra passengers was standing on the side of the road when a speeding fuel tanker coming from behind hit it hard. At that time many passengers in the bus were sleeping, due to which they had no chance to escape.

A total of 46 people were traveling in the bus. The dead include 18 women, 17 men and 10 children. Only one Indian passenger, Mohammad Abdul Shoaib (24 years), who was sitting near the driver, survived the accident.

Central government’s stance and Owaisi’s appeal

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi had appealed to the Central Government to bring the bodies to India as soon as possible, he had appealed to External Affairs Minister S. Had also talked to Jaishankar about this.

At the same time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister S. Both Jaishankar have expressed deep sorrow over this incident. Prime Minister Modi said that the Indian Consulate in Riyadh is providing all possible help to the victims and our officials are in constant touch with the Saudi authorities.

Foreign Minister Jaishankar also said that our embassy is providing full assistance to the affected Indian citizens and their families.

What is Umrah?

Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year. It is also called ‘Small Hajj’. Like Hajj, it does not have any fixed date and Muslims can perform it as many times as they wish as per their convenience.