11:54

A devastating road accident in Saudi Arabia has reportedly claimed the lives of more than 40 Indian pilgrims travelling from Mecca to Medina, with many of the victims said to be from Hyderabad.

Axar.az informs according to Indian media, according to authorities, the bus caught fire after a collision with a diesel tanker near Mufrihat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the incident and took to social media, writing, "Deeply saddened by the accident in Medinah involving Indian nationals. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with Saudi Arabian authorities."

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi confirmed on Monday that at least 42 people from his Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency were on the ill-fated vehicle.

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At least 45 people have been killed after a bus carrying pilgrims collided with a fuel truck near the city of Medina in Saudi Arabia.