Saudi Arabia Bus Accident: According to multiple media reports, at least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims, many believed to be from Hyderabad, were reportedly killed after a bus travelling from Mecca to Madinah crashed into a diesel tanker near Mufrihat in Saudi Arabia early Monday.
The collision was powerful and led to multiple deaths and many injuries, based on early information. Emergency teams and local officials reached the site quickly to carry out rescue work. Authorities are still confirming how many people died and identifying those involved.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy immediately asked Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao and DGP B Shivadhar Reddy to gather full details of the incident. The state government is in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy to support affected families. A control room has also been set up at the Telangana Secretariat, with helplines 79979 59754 and 99129 19545 for families seeking updates.
‘Deeply saddened,’ says PM Modi
PM Narendra Modi took to X and expressed condolences for the people killed and also showed support for families who lost their loved ones. “Deeply saddened by the accident in Medinah involving Indian nationals. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured,” the PM said. He further added that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah were providing all possible assistance. “Our officials are also in close contact with Saudi Arabian authorities,” he said.
‘Deeply shocked,’ says EAM Jaishankar
EAM S Jaishankar too took to X and expressed deep shock over the tragic accident. “Deeply shocked at the accident involving Indian nationals in Medinah, Saudi Arabia. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are giving fullest support to Indian nationals and families affected by this accident. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he wrote.
Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi too expressed deep sorrow and urged the central government to ensure that the bodies of those who died are brought back to India quickly.
Speaking to ANI, Owaisi said he had already spoken with Abu Mathen George, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, to get updates on the situation. He also contacted two travel agencies in Hyderabad and passed the list of passengers to the Embassy in Riyadh and to the Foreign Secretary.
Owaisi said the Deputy Chief of Mission informed him that local authorities are gathering full details and will keep the Indian side updated.
He urged the Centre, especially External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, to ensure the bodies are brought home without delay and that anyone injured receives proper medical care.
Consulate General of India in Jeddah issues statement, sets up 24X7 control room
In view of the accident, The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has set up a 24×7 Control Room. The contact details of the Helpline are: Toll free number- 8002440003, 00966122614093, 00966126614276, 00966556122301 (WhatsApp). The Consulate, in a statement wrote, that they, along with the Embassy in Riyadh, are in constant touch with Saudi Haj, the Umrah Ministry, and local authorities. “A team of Consulate staff and Indian community volunteers is on the ground at various hospitals and sites,” the statement read. It further added, “Officials of the Embassy and the Consulate are also in touch with the concerned officials of the State of Telangana to coordinate with the concerned families.”
