The sole survivor of a Saudi bus accident, Mohammed Abdul Shoaib, recounted how a tanker struck their vehicle, causing it to erupt in flames and kill 45 passengers, including his family. He escaped through a window as the bus caught fire, but his clothes ignited. Shoaib, now without support, has appealed to the Telangana government for a job. Mohammed Abdul Shoaib (centre), the lone survivor of the bus accident in Saudi Arabia’s Madina, with his family at his residence, in Hyderabad. (Picture credit: PTI) NEW DELHI: The only survivor of the November 17 Umrah bus accident in Saudi Arabia returned to India on Tuesday and described the moments before the vehicle went up in flames, killing 45 other passengers. Mohammed Abdul Shoaib said the bus was travelling towards Madinah when a passenger asked the driver to stop for a toilet break. “As the driver stopped the bus, it was struck from behind by a tanker,” he said, as per ANI.Shoaib recalled that the driver escaped through a window immediately after the crash and “didn’t try to help any of the passengers”. As the fire spread rapidly, Shoaib managed to climb out of the same window, but his clothes had already caught fire. “There were 46 passengers on the bus, including me. Everyone else died,” he said, adding that his father, mother and maternal grandfather were among the victims.“I have no support left now. That is why I request the Telangana government to give me a government job,” he appealed.The group was part of a 54-member team that had flown from Hyderabad on November 9. Eighteen members of one extended family were among the dead. Shoaib survived only because he was seated beside the driver when the bus collided with the fuel tanker and burst into flames around 1.30 am.His brother, Mohammed Sameer, had said that he survived only because a visa delay kept him from travelling with the rest of the family. Sameer, who later reached Saudi Arabia and spoke to his injured brother in hospital, said Shoaib had “seen our parents being charred to death right in front of him”.The Telangana government has announced Rs 5 lakh ex gratia for the families of the dead and will send a team led by Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin to coordinate relief.Saudi authorities have begun investigating the crash, which happened about 25 km short of the group’s destination.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNavy Chief Confirms India’S Third Nuclear-Powered Ballistic Missile Submarine Soon“Both ‘Rs Must Remember Responsibility”: Bjp Slams Rahul, Renuka Over ‘Dog’ RemarksNo More Disruptions: Lok Sabha to Debate Electoral Reforms Next Week’Imran Khan’s Health Stable, But Facing Mental Torture’, Claims Sister After Jail VisitChina’s Condom Tax Shocks the World Amid Birthrate Drop as India Surges Ahead in Population RankingsPakistan Sparks Controversy With Expired Relief Claims As India Rejects Airspace Allegation StronglyCentre Signals Willingness to Discuss SIR, Asks Opposition Not to Set TimelinePakistan’s Adiala Jail To Open Gate To Imran Khan’s Sister After PTI Fury Forces Sharif, MunirRussia Confirms Su-57 Fighter Jets, S-400 Deal On Agenda Ahead of Vladimir Putin’s India VisitCapt Shubhanshu Shares What India Can Learn from ISS Successes123Photostories5 timeless quotes by Rumi that echo the true essenceof loveNature’s smartest travellers: 5 animals with homes on their backsFrom Cinnamon Tea to Methi Shots: 8 foods and drinks with proven heart benefitsShah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth: Actors who played both hero and villain in the same film9 lesser-known Biryanis from different parts of IndiaVictoria and David Beckham: Parenting secrets from one of the strongest celebrity couples5 shocking signs the ‘Universe’ is trying to send you a message (Don’t Ignore number 3!)6 best foods for kidneys as per top gastroenterologistAhaan Panday to Vicky Kaushal: 5-star-approved looks that are stealing today’s spotlight5 things people with powerful intuition do without realising it123Hot PicksParliament Winter SessionCyclone DitwahWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingCardi BIPL AuctionShedeur SandersDrake MayeGold Price PredictionImran Khan ProtestWWE Raw HighlightsIND vs SA 2nd ODI TimeTom BradySmriti Mandhana
NEW DELHI: The only survivor of the November 17 Umrah bus accident in Saudi Arabia returned to India on Tuesday and described the moments before the vehicle went up in flames, killing 45 other passengers. Mohammed Abdul Shoaib said the bus was travelling towards Madinah when a passenger asked the driver to stop for a toilet break. “As the driver stopped the bus, it was struck from behind by a tanker,” he said, as per ANI.Shoaib recalled that the driver escaped through a window immediately after the crash and “didn’t try to help any of the passengers”. As the fire spread rapidly, Shoaib managed to climb out of the same window, but his clothes had already caught fire. “There were 46 passengers on the bus, including me. Everyone else died,” he said, adding that his father, mother and maternal grandfather were among the victims.“I have no support left now. That is why I request the Telangana government to give me a government job,” he appealed.The group was part of a 54-member team that had flown from Hyderabad on November 9. Eighteen members of one extended family were among the dead. Shoaib survived only because he was seated beside the driver when the bus collided with the fuel tanker and burst into flames around 1.30 am.His brother, Mohammed Sameer, had said that he survived only because a visa delay kept him from travelling with the rest of the family. Sameer, who later reached Saudi Arabia and spoke to his injured brother in hospital, said Shoaib had “seen our parents being charred to death right in front of him”.The Telangana government has announced Rs 5 lakh ex gratia for the families of the dead and will send a team led by Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin to coordinate relief.Saudi authorities have begun investigating the crash, which happened about 25 km short of the group’s destination.
