In a heartbreaking tragedy that has shaken families in Hyderabad, a 35-year-old man, Syed Rashid, lost 18 members of his extended family in the horrific bus crash near Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The victims were part of a group of pilgrims who had travelled to the Kingdom to perform Umrah. What makes the loss even more tragic is that Rashid had urged the family not to travel together—especially with children—but his concerns went unheeded.

Just days earlier, Rashid had bid farewell to his parents, siblings, and relatives at the Hyderabad airport, unaware that it would be his final goodbye. His parents, 65-year-old Shaik Naseeruddin, a retired railway employee, and 60-year-old Akhter Begum, were among those killed. His older brother, aged 38, along with his 35-year-old sister-in-law and their three young children, also perished in the deadly collision.

The tragedy extended further into the family tree. Among the deceased were Sirajuddin, a relative based in the United States, his wife Sana, and their three children. Several other close relatives also lost their lives: Amina Begum and her daughter, Shameena Begum and her son, and Rizwana Begum and her two children. The massive loss has left Rashid devastated and struggling to come to terms with the magnitude of the tragedy.

A Final Goodbye at Hyderabad Airport

Speaking from his home near CPI(M) Marx Bhavan in Vidyanagar, Rashid recounted the emotional farewell on November 9. He had personally gone to the airport to see off the family as they embarked on their journey for Umrah. At the time, he expressed concern about the large group travelling together, especially with several young children.

“I never imagined that would be the last time I saw them,” Rashid said, overwhelmed with grief. “At least some of them would have survived had they listened. I asked them not to travel in a group but they insisted on staying together.”

His words, once a caution, have now become a painful reminder of what could have been avoided.

Another Family Shattered

The tragedy extended beyond Rashid’s immediate family. Another grieving man—whose name was not disclosed—shared that he, too, had lost all five members of his family. His two brothers-in-law, mother-in-law, and niece were among those killed.

“When authorities told me that everyone on the bus had died, I was shocked,” he said. “I urge the government to ensure that the bodies are brought back to India as soon as possible.”

Families like his spent the entire day gathering at Haj House in Hyderabad, desperate for updates and confirmation. The atmosphere remained heavy with anxiety, fear, and grief as names slowly emerged from official channels.

The Travel Group and the Deadly Journey

According to a representative of Al Meena Travel Agency—a subsidiary of Al Makkah based in Bazarghat—20 pilgrims from their group had departed from Hyderabad on November 9. Of these, sixteen were travelling back to Madinah after completing their prayers in Mecca when the fatal crash occurred.

Earlier on the day of the accident, the agency had shared that the whereabouts of the pilgrims were uncertain. However, later confirmation from Saudi authorities brought the devastating news: all passengers on the ill-fated bus had died.

This confirmation sent shockwaves through the families waiting in Hyderabad, many of whom still clung to hope that there might be survivors.

Families Demand Swift Repatriation

With the enormity of the tragedy setting in, families have urged both the Indian and Saudi authorities to expedite the process of bringing the bodies back home. The loss of nearly an entire branch of a family tree has left communities in Hyderabad overwhelmed with grief and seeking urgent support.

The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia is expected to coordinate with local authorities for identification, documentation, and transportation of the bodies. For many relatives, closure will only come once their loved ones are laid to rest in their homeland.

A Community in Mourning

The crash has triggered an outpouring of grief across Telangana. Neighbours, friends, and local leaders have rushed to offer support to the bereaved families. Many have expressed shock over the scale of the tragedy—losing 18 members from a single extended family is virtually unprecedented and emotionally devastating.

As Rashid and others brace for the painful days ahead, the enormity of their loss remains difficult to grasp. What began as a sacred pilgrimage ended in unimaginable tragedy, leaving families broken and communities grieving.

The incident stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of life—and of journeys that begin with hope but can end in heartbreak.