A pall of grief has descended upon Indonesia as news emerged of a devastating bus crash in Saudi Arabia, claiming the lives of six Umrah pilgrims. The pilgrims, part of a larger group undertaking the sacred journey to Mecca, were tragically killed when their bus collided with another vehicle on a highway connecting Medina and Mecca.

The incident, which occurred local time Thursday afternoon, sent shockwaves through the Indonesian Muslim community, casting a shadow over the spiritual aspirations of countless others preparing for their own pilgrimage. According to preliminary reports from Saudi authorities, the bus was carrying passengers, primarily Indonesian nationals, when the collision occurred. others sustained injuries, some critical, and are receiving medical treatment in Saudi hospitals.

According to the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah, the bus was traveling along Wadi Qudaid (Madinah-Mecca Road). The vehicle carrying Indonesian Umrah tourists crashed. The accident caused the bus to overturn and catch fire. Judha Nugraha, the Foreign Affairs Ministry's director for citizen protection, stated Friday that six Indonesians were killed in the crash. Fourteen other Indonesians were hurt. The injured have been treated at a local hospital. The Indonesian consulate general quickly dispatched a team to the crash site, coordinating with local authorities, the bus company, and others. "We are currently in communication with the Religious Affairs Ministry and the victims' Umrah agency.