Bangladeshi nationals killed in Saudi road crash identified

Seven Bangladeshi nationals hailing from three families in Cox’s Bazar district were killed and six others injured in a severe road accident in Saudi Arabia, the Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah confirmed on Saturday (November 10) night.

The tragic crash occurred at approximately 2:00AM on November 7 at Al-Himna while the victims were returning to Jeddah from Medina, leaving a total of 13 Bangladeshi citizens dead or injured.

According to consulate officials, four members of Ziaur Rahman’s family were among the deceased: Ziaur Rahman himself, his daughter Bushra, and his two sons, Yasir and Yazan. Their bodies are being kept at Al-Himna General Hospital. Ziaur’s wife, Shakira, and daughter, Yusra, sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at Khulais General Hospital and King Abdulaziz Hospital in Jeddah, respectively.

Two members of Alam Shah’s family—his wife Sanjida and daughter Fariya—were also killed. Their bodies have been placed at Al-Himna and Khulais General Hospitals. Alam Shah received first aid and was discharged, while his injured son, Faysal, remains admitted at East Jeddah Hospital.

Additionally, Afsana Bibi, wife of Elias, died in the crash shortly after arriving in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. Her body is stored at Khulais General Hospital. Elias was released after receiving preliminary medical care. Another injured individual, Gafur Alam, is undergoing treatment at Khulais General Hospital.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the vehicle was being driven by a Pakistani national at a speed of around 160 km/h. Traffic officials suspect the driver lost control due to excessive speed, though the driver claimed a tyre burst caused the crash.

According to Salman, manager of the Mecca branch of Al-Abeer Company, four of the passengers were employees of the firm traveling with their families. The Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah dispatched labor counselors and legal assistants to coordinate with Khulais traffic authorities, arrange medical care for the injured, and process the repatriation of the deceased.

-EM