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New Delhi/Chandigarh: At least 42 Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad are feared dead after a passenger bus travelling from Mecca to Medina collided with a diesel tanker in Saudi Arabia early Monday morning.
Local media reports stated that the accident occurred around 1:30 a.m. IST in the Mufrihat area. Of the 43 passengers onboard, only one person survived and is undergoing treatment at a local hospital. Sources said the pilgrims were part of a Hyderabad-based group, which also included women and children.
State Government Initiates Emergency Response
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock over the tragedy and directed Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao and DGP Shivadhar Reddy to immediately gather details of the victims and verify the number of those from the state.
He instructed officials to coordinate closely with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Saudi Embassy to expedite relief and support measures. A control room has been activated at the State Secretariat, and Resident Commissioner Gaurav Uppal has been alerted to monitor developments.
Owaisi in Touch With Indian Embassy
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said he spoke to Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, who informed him that data on the victims was being collected.
Owaisi stated that he had shared the passenger details received from two Hyderabad travel agencies with the Embassy and the Foreign Secretary. He urged the Union Government and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to ensure that the bodies are brought back to India at the earliest opportunity and that the injured pilgrims receive adequate medical care.
MEA Issues Condolences; 24×7 Helpline Activated
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar posted on X, expressing grief over the incident: “Deeply shocked at the accident involving Indian nationals in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are giving the fullest support to Indian nationals and families affected by this accident. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families.”
Following the tragedy, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah has established a 24/7 Control Room.
The helpline numbers are:
8002440003 (Toll-free)
0122614093
0126614276
Officials said efforts are underway to formally identify the victims and provide all assistance to their families in India.
