At least 13 Bangladeshi pilgrims were killed and 17 others were injured in an accident that killed around 24 Umrah pilgrims and injured around 23 people in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia on Monday, said an official of the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.
The deceased were Shahidul Islam from Senbug, Noakhali, Mamun Mia and Russel Molla from Muradnagar, Comilla, Mohammad Helal from Noakhali, Sabuj Hossain from Lakshmipur, Md Asif and Sifat Ullah from Maheshkhali, Cox's Bazar, Md Imam Hossain Rony from Gazipur, Ruk Mia from Chandpur, Gias Hamid from Debidwar, Comilla, Mohammad Nazmul and Rony from Jessore, and Mohammad Hossain from Cox's Bazar.
At least 24 people died and 23 others were injured in the bus accident on Monday in Saudi Arabia, the authorities said.
The bus was carrying 47 Umrah pilgrims to Makkah, and among them 35 passengers were Bangladeshis, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Seheli Sabrin said.
The accident occurred in Saudi Arabia's Asir province - around 650km from Jeddah - at around 4pm on Monday.
According to media reports, the bus collided with a bridge following a brake failure, overturned and burst into flames.
Hospital authorities said it was very difficult to determine their identities due to the burning and disfiguring of the bodies.
A team from the consulate was sent to find out detailed information about Bangladeshis involved in the accident, according to a press release sent from the Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is deeply saddened to receive the unfortunate news of the deaths of 13 Bangladeshi migrant workers and the injuries of 17 others in the tragic bus accident in the Abha district of Asir Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Two officers of the Bangladesh Consulate General, Jeddah, visited the area immediately after the incident and were trying to identify the victims and contact their family members in Bangladesh.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended its heartfelt condolences to the relatives of those who have lost their lives in the tragic accident and remains connected with the wounded and hospitalized and is working for early repatriation of the dead.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the horrific bus crash.
In a condolence message, she prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed souls and quick recovery of the injured persons.
She asked Foreign Ministry officials and the Saudi Mission personnel to take necessary actions for recovering the bodies of Bangladeshi nationals and ensure proper treatment for the injured.
