Tragedy In Saudi Arabia: 50 Relatives From Telangana Fly To Attend Funeral of Bus Crash Victims

Hyderabad is witnessing scenes of grief and disbelief as around 50 family members of those killed in the tragic bus accident in Saudi Arabia prepare to fly out for the funeral of their loved ones. The government has confirmed that the funeral ceremonies will take place in the Gulf kingdom on Thursday, where the bodies of the victims, many of them from Telangana, are being preserved after being burnt beyond recognition in Sunday’s catastrophic crash.

According to officials, the Telangana government has deployed a team led by Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammad Azharuddin to coordinate relief measures, including funeral arrangements, local documentation, and communication with families. “The bodies have been preserved, and DNA tests will be conducted for the family members traveling to Saudi Arabia before death certificates are issued,” a senior official said, adding that identification and documentation are vital before the legal procedures can be completed.

The Saudi authorities have assured cooperation in facilitating the funerals, with the possibility of compensation for the victims’ kin. The Telangana government, in coordination with Saudi officials, is also arranging travel for two family members per victim to attend the final rites. Financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh per family has been announced by the state government, along with travel and other logistical support. “Death certificates would be handed over only if DNA matches,” the official said, highlighting the challenges posed by the severe condition of the bodies.

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The collision, which occurred when a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with a tanker in the Al-Ahsa province, claimed at least 42 lives, while some accounts put the toll at 45. Most of the victims were pilgrims from Telangana who had gone to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrimage. Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar confirmed the casualties, calling it one of the gravest tragedies involving residents of the state abroad.

Officials indicated that the funeral will be conducted in Saudi Arabia as per Islamic tradition, likely in a mass ceremony. Alongside humanitarian and identification efforts, the Telangana revenue department has been tasked with issuing essential certificates and coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs. As mourning continues across Telangana, relatives hope that their loved ones’ final rites abroad will at least bring closure to the heartbreak that has overwhelmed entire communities.

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