Chennai: Indian political leaders on Monday expressed their grief and solidarity following the deaths of at least 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims in a devastating road accident in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

The tragedy, which involved a collision between a passenger bus carrying pilgrims and an oil tanker, has triggered widespread condolences across political lines, particularly in states from which many of the travellers originated.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said he was “deeply shocked” by the incident and conveyed his sympathies to the families who had lost their loved ones. In a message posted on X, the Chief Minister stated that his thoughts were with the bereaved families during this period of immense distress. He added that he hoped those who sustained injuries would receive full and timely medical care in Saudi Arabia and recover without complications. Although the majority of the victims were reportedly from Hyderabad, Stalin’s message reflected the broader emotional impact of the incident, as Umrah pilgrims from various states often embark on group journeys from common transit points.

AIADMK general secretary and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami also released a statement expressing sorrow over the loss of lives. In his brief note on X, he said he was anguished by the tragic news and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased. Palaniswami also expressed hope that the injured individuals would be provided with proper treatment and prayed for the souls of the victims.

Preliminary information from Saudi authorities suggests that the bus, carrying Indian pilgrims on their way to perform Umrah rituals, collided with an oil tanker in Medina, causing significant damage due to the impact. The force of the collision reportedly resulted in a fire, which contributed to the high number of casualties. Local emergency teams were immediately deployed, and rescue operations began alongside efforts to control the blaze.

The identification of the deceased is currently underway, as the remains of several victims require formal procedures before they can be released. Indian officials in Saudi Arabia are coordinating with local authorities to support the ongoing identification process, facilitate medical assistance for the injured, and arrange communication with the families back home.

The tragedy has drawn attention to the risks associated with long-distance travel for pilgrims in the region, particularly given the heavy traffic on routes frequently used by Umrah travellers. As updates continue to emerge, families in India are waiting anxiously for official confirmation regarding their relatives. The incident has also prompted a wave of condolences from leaders and the public alike, highlighting the depth of grief and shock caused by the accident.
(With PTI inputs)