HYDERABAD: Grief swept through the narrow lanes of Jhirra in Asifnagar on Monday as friends, neighbours and relatives gathered at the home of Mohammed Ali (54), one of the victims of the Saudi Arabia bus accident. A heavy silence filled the house, broken only by the cries of women mourning upstairs.
The family is reeling from the loss of six members, including Ali. His son, Mohammed Shoaib, who stayed back in Hyderabad to run the family’s small hotel in Bazar Ghat, received visitors outside, recounting the news that reached him from abroad. He said he had spoken to his parents just days earlier.
Another man named Shoaib, who had been travelling with seven members of his in-laws’ family, jumped out of the bus with the driver moments after the crash, his cousin told TNIE.
At Haj House, the brother of another victim, Mohammed Manzoor, said he received a call around 4 am informing him of the tragedy. Four members of his family, including his elder brother, had travelled together. He urged the government to facilitate travel for relatives. His family also booked through Al Makkah Travels.
Residents streamed in to offer condolences. Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammad Azharuddin visited the home and assured government support. Earlier in the day, relatives had rushed to Al Ameen Travel Agency in Mallepally after learning of the accident.
Travel company sends team to assist survivors
A representative from the travel agency said 16 people booked their pilgrimage through Al Makkah, while Flyzone Travels handled ticketing.
The group left on November 9 for a 15-day pilgrimage and was due to return on November 25. Flyzone has sent a team to Saudi Arabia to assist survivors and coordinate with authorities.