- Indian Officials Coordinate DNA Tests for Identifying Victims
- Over 40 Umrah Pilgrims from Telangana Perish in Fatal Road Accident
Dubai/Internet/Hyderabad: Indian authorities are working urgently to identify Telangana pilgrims who died in a tragic bus crash near Madinah, Saudi Arabia. More than 40 Umrah pilgrims from Telangana were charred to death after a collision with a fuel tanker on Sunday night. Indian Consul General Fahad Khan Suri led a team to Madinah to meet local officials and oversee identification efforts.
As most bodies were burnt beyond recognition, authorities require DNA testing for identification. Officials are coordinating the tests while facilitating burial arrangements. Relatives are expected soon to Saudi Arabia to provide DNA samples to assist in confirming identities.
The victims’ bodies have been moved to mortuaries in three major Madinah hospitals. Among the casualties are 19 members of one family from Hyderabad. Mohammed Mazhar, a relative and resident near Madinah, said, “All these 19 people were my relatives.” Meanwhile, the Indian Consulate has created a hotline and control room to support victims’ families.
The only survivor of the crash is Mohammed Abul Shoeb, a native of Hyderabad, who is receiving treatment in Madinah. The crash occurred on the Makkah to Madinah highway near Mufrihat towards Badr. This road carries thousands of pilgrims daily, highlighting the tragedy’s significant impact.
Local authorities have not yet released an official casualty count. The Indian government and consulate remain focused on expediting victim identification and providing assistance to grieving families during this difficult time.
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