Goa, Nov. 17 -- At least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims are feared dead after a passenger bus travelling from Mecca to Madinah collided with a diesel tanker in the early hours of Monday. The crash occurred around 1.30 am IST at a location identified as Mufrihat, according to initial reports.

Sources indicate that the victims, many of whom are believed to be from Hyderabad, included women and children. Early information suggests there were approximately 20 women and 11 children onboard when the tragedy took place. Several passengers were reportedly asleep at the time of the impact.

The pilgrims had completed their rituals in Mecca and were en route to Madinah when the accident occurred. While local sources have reported 42 fatalities, authorit...