Malappuram: A tragic road accident in Medina, Saudi Arabia, claimed the lives of four members of a family from Manjeri in Kerala’s Malappuram district. The deceased have been identified as Abdul Jaleel (52) of Vellila, his mother Maimunath Kakkengal (73), wife Tasna Thodengal (40), and son Adil Jaleel (14).
Preliminary reports from Saudi Arabia state that the accident occurred on Saturday evening when the family’s vehicle collided with a truck near Medina on a highway. All four died on the spot.
The family was returning from the Islamic pilgrimage of Umrah, travelling from Mecca to Jeddah at the time of the accident. Saudi authorities have yet to officially confirm the exact cause of the crash.
Abdul Jaleel’s three daughters – Aisha, Hadiya, and Noora – were seriously injured in the accident. They are currently undergoing treatment in different hospitals in Saudi Arabia, with their condition described as critical. Hospital sources have said the girls are under close medical supervision, and further updates on their health are awaited.
Abdul Jaleel had been working and residing in Jeddah for several years. The family members had arrived recently on tourist visas to perform Umrah. This pilgrimage is considered a deeply spiritual journey for Muslims.
The news of the accident has sent shockwaves through Manjeri and surrounding areas, where the family was well-known. Relatives, neighbours, and community members have gathered at the family home in Vellila, while condolences continue to pour in from across the district and the Gulf region’s Keralite community.
Efforts are underway to coordinate with Saudi officials for legal formalities and to repatriate the bodies. Kerala expatriate organisations and community groups in Saudi Arabia have also come forward to assist the grieving family during this difficult time.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving WORLD of technology.