Mallepally mourns 15 Umrah pilgrims lost in Saudi bus tragedy
HYDERABAD: The tragedy in Saudi Arabia claimed 42 pilgrims, including at least 15 from two extended families in the Mallepally Bazaar Ghat area, were confirmed dead in a bus fire on the Mecca-Medina highway. The loss has left the community in mourning.
The bus, carrying 43 Indian Umrah pilgrims, most of whom were from Hyderabad, collided with a diesel truck early Monday. The resulting fire claimed 42 lives, including 20 women and 11 children. Only one passenger survived.
Among the deceased from Mallepally are Abdul Khadeer, Ghousiya Begum, Shehnaaz, Mohammed Ali, Rahmathbee, and Raheem Unnisa. Another family, that of Mohammed Manzoor, also suffered significant losses, including Zaheen Begum, Farheen Begum, Shoukat, Zakiya, Parveen Begum, Mastan, and Sohail.
Telangana State Medical and Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha expressed deep sorrow, particularly for the 16 pilgrims from Mallepally. A statement from his office conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased.
The Telangana government has announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for each victim’s family. The state cabinet will also send a team, led by Minority Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin, to Saudi Arabia to provide assistance and facilitate the return of affected individuals. The team will include two family members per victim.
The Indian Consulate in Jeddah operates a 24/7 help desk. Helpline numbers are: 8002440003 (toll-free), 00966122614093, 00966126614276, and 00966556122301 (WhatsApp). As Hyderabad mourns, the focus remains on supporting the affected families.
