A bus carrying at least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims was feared dead after it collided with a diesel tanker near Medina in Saudi Arabia on Monday, local Saudi media reported. Many of the victims are from Hyderabad, and the state officials confirmed that several families have already been contacted.
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Many victims from Hyderabad, identities being verified
As per a report by the Hindustan Times, Telangana information technology minister D Sridhar Babu said that the preliminary inputs suggest that at least 16 of the deceased were residents of Hyderabad. Most of them were reportedly from the Bazarghat area of Mallepalli, though officials are still in the process of identifying the bodies, he added.
Relatives said that the group of pilgrims had left Hyderabad on November 9 to perform Umrah. They were returning to Medina after offering prayers in Mecca when the collision occurred. The pilgrims had travelled through Al Meena and Al Mecca Travels, based in Nampally.
Response by India's External Affairs Ministry
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he was "deeply shocked" by the tragedy involving Indian nationals. He said, “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.”
The Indian Embassy in Jeddah set up a 24/7 control room for enquiries by families. The mission announced a toll-free helpline number — 8002440003 — for assistance. Taking to X, they wrote, “In view of a tragic bus accident near Madina, Saudi Arabia, involving Indian Umrah pilgirms, a 24x7 Control Room has been set up in Consulate General of India, Jeddah. The contact details of the Helpline are as under: 8002440003 (Toll free) 0122614093 0126614276 0556122301 (WhatsApp).”
Telangana govt and Embassy in touch, control rooms activated
As per the reports by the Hindustan Times, the Government of Telangana maintains it is in regular contact with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy directed Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao and DGP Shivadhar Reddy to immediately collect details of victims and confirm how many passengers were from the state. Expressing grief he wrote on X, “The road accident that occurred in Saudi Arabia has caused profound shock. The news that several residents of Telangana, who were traveling to Mecca, have died in this incident has caused intense sorrow. I have instructed the Chief Secretary and DGP of the state government to immediately speak with officials from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy, ascertain the well-being of our people, and take supportive actions. The government will stand by the affected families. I pray that they remain strong.”
Resident Commissioner Gaurav Uppal in Delhi has also been alerted to coordinate with central agencies. A control room has been activated at the State Secretariat to support families and consolidate information.
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As per the report, Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP, demands quick action from the Centre. Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi demanded immediate intervention by the Union government. He said he spoke to Abu Mathen George, deputy chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, who assured him “that they are gathering information about the matter.”
Owaisi added that he had shared passenger details with the Embassy and the Foreign Secretary and urged the centre saying, “I request the Union Government, especially EAM Dr S Jaishankar, to bring the bodies back to India and, if anyone is injured, ensure that they receive proper medical treatment.”
