Riyadh, Nov 17: In a devastating accident near Medina on Monday, at least 42 Umrah pilgrims are feared dead after a passenger bus collided head-on with a diesel tanker, Saudi media reported.
According to early inputs, the victims are believed to be Indian nationals from Hyderabad, though officials are currently working to confirm their identities and verify the exact number of casualties.
The horrific crash triggered a massive inferno, reducing the bus to ashes within minutes. Emergency and civil defense teams rushed to the scene, but the intense flames severely hampered rescue operations.
A senior Saudi official confirmed that a full-scale investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the collision, which occurred on a route frequently used by pilgrims traveling between Medina and Mecca.
Further details are awaited as authorities continue the rescue and identification process.
