Funeral prayers held in Medina for over 40 Indian Umrah pilgrims killed in bus fire

Dubai: Funeral prayers were held on Saturday at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina for more than 40 Indian Umrah pilgrims who died earlier last week in one of the deadliest transport accidents involving foreign worshippers in the Kingdom. 

Sheikh Abdul Bari Thubaity led the prayers after Dhuhr, as rows of mourners gathered to bid farewell to the victims, most of whom were from Hyderabad, before their burial in Jannat Al Baqi, the historic cemetery adjacent to the mosque. 

The group had been traveling from Mecca to Medina when their bus collided with a diesel tanker late Monday night, igniting a fire that left only one survivor.

Saudi and Indian officials said at least 45 people were on board when the crash occurred. 

V.C. Sajjanar, a senior police official in Telangana, described the scene as “heartbreaking,” noting that “only one person survived,” and that many victims belonged to just two extended families.

The tragedy has reverberated across India, particularly in Hyderabad, home to a large community of Umrah travelers. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on the social platform X that he was “deeply saddened,” adding: “My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured.”

Indian diplomats in Riyadh and Jeddah said they remain in close coordination with Saudi authorities and have opened a 24-hour helpline for affected families. “All possible assistance” is being provided, Modi said.