Saudi Arabia tragedy: 45 bodies not found, but the dreams of 45 families burned! Telangana government's help, but DNA testing needed for identification.

The devastating bus accident near Madinah, Saudi Arabia, early on Monday, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 45 Indian pilgrims, has sent waves of shock and grief across India. This was not merely an accident; it was a horrific culmination of a sacred journey, as the bus turned into a blazing inferno after colliding with a tanker. The bodies were charred beyond recognition, raising serious questions once again about the safety of pilgrim transportation in Saudi Arabia and the country's high road fatality rates.

Miraculous Survival: Shoeb’s Account from the Driver’s Cabin
In this mass tragedy, only one passenger, Shoeb, the sole survivor among the 46 people aboard, miraculously escaped death. Shoeb’s brother, Mohammed Sameer, conveyed the harrowing details over the phone, stating that many passengers were asleep when the crash occurred.

How did Shoeb survive? His brother revealed the crucial detail: "He was lucky to be in the cabin with the driver."

Being in the driver's cabin proved to be his lifeline. Sameer noted that it remains unclear if the tanker hit the vehicle while it was moving or was stationary, a point of investigation. Shoeb’s survival and his testimony will now be instrumental in determining what is the reason for Madinah bus crash. His escape from such a catastrophic event is nothing short of a miracle.

Telangana Government's Swift Response: Team Led by Azharuddin Dispatched
Following the grim news, the Telangana government reacted swiftly, announcing an ex gratia of ₹5 lakh each to the kin of those who perished. Crucially, the state decided to immediately depute a team, led by its newly appointed minorities welfare minister, Mohammad Azharuddin, to Saudi Arabia. Their mission is to coordinate relief efforts and provide support on the ground.

The government pledged to help arrange the funerals of the deceased in Saudi Arabia in accordance with religious traditions. Furthermore, to ease the pain of the grieving families, the government announced that two members of each affected family would be flown to Saudi Arabia. This prompt and humane response highlights the state’s commitment during this difficult time.

State Aid and the Daunting Challenge of DNA Identification
The extent of the devastation means that the bodies of the deceased were charred beyond recognition. Minister Azharuddin confirmed that DNA tests are likely to be conducted to identify the victims. This is a slow, challenging, and emotionally taxing process, but it is necessary to ensure that every victim is correctly identified.

How will the bodies be identified? The answer lies in the DNA testing process, requiring close coordination between Saudi and Indian authorities.

To facilitate communication, a control room has been set up at Haj House (with numbers 79979 59754/99129 19545) to provide information to the victims' families, who are desperate to know how many Indians died in Saudi accident and the status of their loved ones. The minister reassured that the state government is making all possible efforts in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and Saudi authorities.

High Road Fatality Rate: Safety Concerns over Pilgrim Transport in Saudi Arabia
This tragedy is not an isolated incident; it underscores a deep-seated issue regarding road safety in Saudi Arabia. A 2023 UN report previously highlighted that Saudi Arabia had a high road fatality rate compared to other high-income countries.

Why is Saudi Arabia road fatality rate high? The repeated occurrence of dangerous incidents involving vehicles transporting worshippers around holy sites like Makkah and Madinah has made this a pressing question. The high volume of traffic and the rigorous schedule often involved in pilgrim transport create heightened risks. The ongoing investigation must not only focus on the immediate cause—was the tanker moving or stationary?—but also on implementing broader systemic reforms to enhance the safety of this vital transport sector.

PM Modi’s Condolences and Central Government’s Commitment
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over the tragedy in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He conveyed that his thoughts were with the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones.

The Prime Minister also assured the nation that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance to the victims and their families. This commitment from the central government ensures that the relief efforts initiated by the Telangana government are fully supported by the Ministry of External Affairs, guaranteeing comprehensive support and guidance during this crisis. This tragic event serves as a painful reminder of the critical importance of prioritizing pilgrim safety for both India and Saudi Arabia.