Kathmandu, November 17

Forty-two Indian nationals have died in a bus accident while travelling from Mecca to Medina.

The accident occurred on Monday in Saudi Arabia when a bus carrying pilgrims from Hyderabad crashed on its way from Mecca to Medina. Among the deceased are 20 women and 11 children.

According to local media reports, the bus caught fire after it collided with a diesel tanker. Preliminary reports claim that all those who died were Indian nationals. Most of them were reportedly travelling from Hyderabad for a pilgrimage.

The accident occurred near Muharrass, about 160 kilometres from Medina, at around 1:30 am Indian Standard Time. Many passengers were asleep at the time, which contributed to the high number of casualties when the bus caught fire following the collision.

The Telangana government said it is in constant contact with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. In a statement issued by the state government, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy directed officials in Delhi to coordinate with the embassy to assist in identifying the victims and completing necessary formalities.