Families to fly to Saudi Arabia for mass funeral of Umrah bus tragedy victims; DNA tests ordered

Dubai: Around 50 close family members of the pilgrims who died in the horrific bus accident in Saudi Arabia are set to travel from Hyderabad to the Kingdom for the funeral rites, a senior Telangana government official said on Tuesday.

The funeral is expected to take place on Thursday, and preparations are being coordinated by a high-level delegation from Telangana, led by Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammad Azharuddin.

The minister and an official team arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to oversee the legal, medical, and procedural requirements connected to the tragedy, including funerals and documentation for the bereaved families.

The official said that the bodies, which were charred beyond recognition, have been preserved by Saudi authorities, and DNA verification is mandatory before issuing death certificates or allowing any related legal action.

“Death certificates will be handed over only if DNA matches,” the official confirmed, according to Indian media reports, adding that the process is crucial because of the severe condition of the bodies after the explosion and subsequent fire. Once the matches are confirmed, authorities will formally certify the victims, enabling paperwork for compensation, insurance, and future claims.

The Telangana government team is also coordinating with Saudi authorities on possible financial assistance from Riyadh, in addition to the Rs5 lakh ex-gratia already announced by the state government for each affected family.

The state will also facilitate travel and documentation support through the Revenue Department, which will issue the required certificates and family-related paperwork.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar on Monday placed the death toll at 45, stating that confirmation would depend on the completion of DNA testing. The state government announced that two members from each victim’s family would be sent to Saudi Arabia, but logistics indicate that nearly 50 family members are now travelling due to urgent humanitarian and identification requirements.

Authorities are also considering a mass funeral in Saudi Arabia, as per Islamic traditions, given the condition of the remains and time-bound burial procedures followed in the kingdom.

The Telangana government reiterated that every possible support – legal, financial, emotional, and logistical – will be extended until all processes are completed.