Saudi Crash Claims 18 Members of One Family

Among the dead were Naseeruddin, his wife, their three daughters and their children and the family of a son who lives in the United States.

“My wife’s cousin’s family was on the bus. They spoke to my wife yesterday at 8.30 pm and told her that they were doing well. Officials have informed us that the last rites will be performed in Madina,” said Syed Jhangir, a relative of the deceased.

Another family member said, “We are unable to bear this. It is heartbreaking that such a tragedy happened to a single family who had gone to pray to God.”

Naseeruddin’s wife, Akther Begum, his son Shaik Salauddin, and his daughter-in-law Farhana died in the accident. His three daughters — Shabana Begum, Rizwana Begum, and Farhana Begum — were also on the pilgrimage. Naseeruddin’s grandchildren Shaik Zainuddin, Tasmiya Begum, and Rida Begum also died.

Naseeruddin’s son, who resides in the United States, lost his family as well. His wife, Sana Sultana, daughters Mehreesh Fathima and Umaiza Fathima, and son Uzair all perished in the accident.

According to Sadiq, a relative, “The victims’ family grandchildren left on November 9. They were on their way to Madina and told us they would stay there for a week and then return to the city. We came to know about the accident from the travel agency this morning.”

Shabana had three sons, and only the four-year-old had accompanied her on the pilgrimage, said a relative, Syed Huzaifa Jaffar.

Rizwana Begum’s children — her son Shah Zain and daughter Mariyam — also passed away. Ameena Begum, who lives with her family in Musarambagh, had taken only her daughter, Anees Fathima; her husband, daughter, and son had not accompanied them.

Relatives urged the government to act against travel agencies and make arrangements for them to travel to Madina for performing the last rites of the deceased. They gathered at Haj House here and demanded that the government order a probe into the incident.