Early Monday in Saudi Arabia witnessed a tragic road accident, with fears of at least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims losing their lives. It is reported that many travelers were from Hyderabad, Telangana. The accident occurred when a bus traveling from Mecca to Medina collided with a diesel tanker near the Mufrihat region.
Preliminary reports suggest that the impact was so severe that several people died instantly, while many others sustained injuries. Local authorities and emergency teams swiftly arrived at the scene, commencing rescue and relief operations.
Telangana Government in Contact with MEA and Saudi Embassy
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy immediately took cognizance of the incident, instructing Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao and DGP B. Shivadhar Reddy to gather full details. The state government is collaborating with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Saudi Embassy to assist the affected families.
A control room has been set up at the Telangana Secretariat to provide information to the victims' families, along with these helpline numbers:
- 7997959754- 99129 19545
Indian Consulate Issues Toll-Free Number
Following the accident, the Indian Consulate in Jeddah has also established a 24x7 control room. A toll-free number 8002440003 has been issued by the consulate for further inquiries regarding the victims and the injured.
Foreign Minister Expresses Condolences
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar expressed profound sorrow over the incident, stating that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are fully assisting the affected Indians and their families. In his tweet, he extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
