The 45 Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad who lost their lives in the devastating bus tanker collision in Saudi Arabia were finally laid to rest today in Jannat ul Baqi, the historic Islamic cemetery in Madina, after DNA identification and government procedures were completed.
Saudi authorities permitted the burial at the holy site after requests made by families, community leaders and the Telangana government. Many of the deceased were senior citizens who had embarked on the pilgrimage for religious devotion.
Emotional Janaza in the Prophet’s City
Funeral prayers were held in Masjid an Nabawi, attended by grieving relatives, Indian community members, scholars and officials from the Telangana government and the Indian Consulate. With tears, pilgrims and mourners recited prayers for the deceased before their burial.
Witnesses described the moment as deeply emotional, especially for families who had traveled from Hyderabad to attend the burial in Islam’s second holiest site.
DNA Identification Completed Before Riyadh Permission
Due to the severe fire resulting from the crash, DNA tests were required for confirmation of most bodies.
- Saudi forensic teams completed identification.
- Only after confirmation were families given permission for funeral rites.
- The Indian Embassy coordinated documentation and burial permissions.
Government representatives from Telangana were present in Madina to support families and complete formalities.
As of now, no confirmed ex-gratia from the Saudi government has been announced in reliable, widely published sources.
Community in Shock
- The accident occurred when a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with a fuel tanker, leading to an explosion that claimed the lives of 45 Hyderabad residents.
- In Hyderabad, their neighbourhoods are in mourning, many were described as humble, pious individuals who had set out to seek blessings and perform religious duties.
- Religious scholars expressed that passing away during pilgrimage is regarded with spiritual Honour and burial in Jannat ul Baqi is considered a blessed resting place.
Prayers for the Departed
“May Allah elevate their ranks, forgive their sins, and grant patience to their families,” was the collective prayer echoed by mourners at Masjid an Nabawi and during gatherings in Hyderabad.
