A routine return from a religious site turned tragic when a bus carrying Pakistani Umrah pilgrims crashed near Madinah, leaving five dead and several others hospitalized.
The victims had been on their way back from visiting Badr, a site of deep religious importance. But somewhere along that sacred road, things took a fatal turn. The impact has been felt not just in Saudi Arabia but deeply back home in Bahawalnagar, Pakistan — where most of the pilgrims hailed from.
Bus Ride Turns Deadly Near Madinah
The accident occurred on the route from Badr to Madinah. The bus, filled with pilgrims, veered into trouble — though the exact cause is still under investigation. What’s certain, however, is that five lives were lost. Three of them were women.
Officials confirmed that most passengers were from Bahawalnagar district in Punjab. That includes Fort Abbas and Dahran Wala — small towns now stricken with grief.
Two of the deceased women, Rukhsana Bibi and Amina Bibi, were from Fort Abbas, while another pair hailed from Dahran Wala. The lone elderly man who passed away was identified as Manzoor Hussain from 39/3-R village.
Families Grieve and Choose Local Burial
For some, bringing their loved ones back home for burial was never an option.
Grieving families, perhaps in part to honor the sacredness of the land where their relatives passed, have chosen to bury them in Saudi Arabia. Pakistani Consul General Khalid Majeed said the required No Objection Certificates (NOCs) have been issued to allow for the burial of at least three victims on Saudi soil.
“[My] sister and two cousins died in a bus accident while on their way to Madina from Badr,” said Muhammad Khalid, holding back tears during his interview with local media.
For many families, the religious context softens the heartbreak — ever so slightly. Dying during Umrah, near the Prophet’s Mosque, is seen by some as a noble passing.
Survivors Under Treatment Across Three Hospitals
While five lives were lost, several more were spared — though not without suffering.
At least eight pilgrims sustained injuries and are receiving treatment across three major hospitals in Madinah:
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Four individuals, including two women, were admitted to Saudi-German Hospital
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Three others, again including two women, are at King Fahd Hospital
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One woman is undergoing care at King Salman Hospital
Two of the deceased were taken to Saudi-German Hospital and another two to King Fahd Hospital, according to officials.
This table summarizes what we know so far about hospital assignments:
| Hospital Name | Injured Pilgrims | Deceased Victims |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi-German Hospital | 4 (2 women) | 2 |
| King Fahd Hospital | 3 (2 women) | 2 |
| King Salman Hospital | 1 (1 woman) | 0 |
It’s not yet known whether any of the injured are in critical condition. But officials say they’re receiving round-the-clock care.
Saudi Officials and Pakistani Consulate Step In
Saudi authorities responded quickly, securing the area and transferring the injured to nearby hospitals.
Pakistan’s Consul General Khalid Majeed visited the victims and confirmed that the consulate team was “actively coordinating” with Saudi officials and the Umrah sponsorship company involved. Their role is critical in moments like these — ensuring families back in Pakistan aren’t left in the dark.
The Consul General also mentioned that the consulate is in close contact with relatives in Bahawalnagar, updating them as more information becomes available.
Bahawalnagar Mourns: A Quiet District, Now Quiet in Grief
Back in Pakistan, word of the tragedy spread fast. In Bahawalnagar, houses fell silent, prayers began, and people gathered to comfort each other.
It’s not a place often found in headlines. But now, it’s mourning five of its own.
These weren’t celebrities or officials. They were farmers, homemakers, elders — ordinary people who’d scraped and saved to complete a spiritual rite.
“Everyone knew them,” said a neighbor from Fort Abbas. “They were kind, simple people. This doesn’t feel real.”
Umrah Accidents: Not the First, Not the Last?
Umrah pilgrimages bring millions of Muslims to Saudi Arabia each year. While the Saudi government has invested billions in infrastructure, including newer highways and surveillance systems, accidents — sadly — still happen.
Just last year, 20 pilgrims from different countries died in a road crash en route to Mecca. Most of them were also on buses.
Despite improvements, transport during religious tours remains vulnerable to driver fatigue, bus malfunctions, and long, dusty routes where visibility is poor.
Regulatory reviews often follow such accidents, but the long-term fixes move slowly.
