A bus carrying Umrah pilgrimscaught fire in Saudi Arabia after colliding with a tanker lorry, killing 42 people, including 20 women and 11 children. Immigration officials in Hyderabad confirmed that all 42 victims were from the city.

The accident reportedly occurred around 1:30 am IST at Mufrahath, between Badr and Madinah, on a wide road prone to high-speed traffic. Most passengers were asleep at the time, worsening the impact of the tragedy, reported Mathrubhumi News .

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar expressed deep shock over the accident, saying the Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah were providing full support to Indian nationals and their families. “Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he added.

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