A delegation from the Telangana government in India, including Minorities Minister Mohammed Azharuddin, has traveled to Saudi Arabia following a tragic bus-tanker accident near Medinah that killed 45 Indian pilgrims, PTI reported. Among the victims are 18 members of a single extended family from Hyderabad, according to survivor Shaik Syed Abdul Rasheed and Nampally MLA Mohammed Majid Hussain, PTI noted. The relatives, connected to retired railway guard Shaik Naseeruddin, had gathered in Vidyanagar before leaving for Mecca on November 9. Hussain, who is part of the delegation, stated, "We are verifying the names and addresses of these 18 members of the single family," PTI mentioned.
Tragic News?
A bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims collided with a tanker in Saudi Arabia, leaving at least 42 feared dead.
Prayers for the departed and their families. pic.twitter.com/MYTjwpiHMS
— Hinduism_and_Science (@Hinduism_sci) November 17, 2025
42 Indian Umrah pilgrims killed in Saudi Arabia bus–tanker collision. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy takes note of bus tragedy.
India Today's @JournoPranay with more details.@snehamordani speaks with Telangana Congress MP @kiran_chamala#Mecca #Telangana #News #ITVideo pic.twitter.com/e6f12lnhNv— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) November 17, 2025
Rasheed, who had worried about so many relatives traveling together, stated, "My uncle Naseeruddin's son, Siraj, who lives in the US, is the only surviving member of his family now, apart from his three sons-in-law, who did not go and live in various parts of Hyderabad. He could not go to Saudi Arabia, but his wife and two children did, and are among the victims," PTI detailed. Officials also listed Naseeruddin, his wife, children, and ten grandchildren among the deceased, alongside four members of Mohammed Razzak's family. The Telangana government has announced $5641 in ex gratia for each victim's family, PTI confirmed. Advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir, PTI reported, stated efforts are underway to send two relatives for each victim to Saudi Arabia for formalities.
The objective of the visiting delegation was clarified by Shabbir, who stated, "The purpose of the delegation is to work directly with families, ensure smooth formalities, and support the transport or burial process as per the family's wishes," PTI reported.
