English
English
English
A horrific road accident in Saudi Arabia has left more than 40 Indian Umrah pilgrims feared dead after a bus collided with a diesel tanker near Madina. Many victims are believed to be from Hyderabad. The bus caught fire immediately after impact, making identification difficult.
40+ Indians Feared Killed as Umrah Bus Hits Diesel Tanker
New Delhi: More than 40 Indians are feared dead in a horrific road accident in Saudi Arabia late Sunday night. According to preliminary reports, a bus carrying Indian pilgrims on an Umrah pilgrimage collided with a diesel tanker. The accident occurred at around 1:30 a.m. local time in the Muhras or Mufriyat area near Medina, about 160 kilometers from the city.
The impact was so severe that the bus was engulfed in flames within seconds. Many passengers were asleep at the time, preventing them from escaping. The accident was so horrific that many bodies were beyond identification.
Iran, Turkey and Saudi Arabia plan new alliance to counter Israel’s growing power in Middle East
Many of the Indians feared dead in the accident are believed to be from Telangana, particularly Hyderabad. The bus had departed from Mecca for Medina, and the passengers were excited to perform the Umrah, but the journey turned tragic.
The Telangana Chief Minister's Office expressed deep sorrow over the accident and directed immediate information gathering. The Chief Minister has instructed the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) to remain in constant contact with the Saudi Arabian authorities and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
Officials have been instructed to determine how many Telangana residents were involved in the accident and to set up a control room at the Secretariat for the affected families.
The Indian Consulate General in Jeddah has immediately activated a 24x7 control room. The Embassy stated that a toll-free number, 8002440003, has been issued to assist affected Indian Umrah pilgrims, where their families can obtain information.
Is Saudi Arabia finally ending the Kafala Era? Landmark reform frees 13 million migrant workers
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said that he has sought information from two travel agencies in the city through which the passengers traveled for Umrah. He has also contacted the Indian Embassy in Riyadh.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar expressed deep condolences over the accident and tweeted that the Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance to the affected families. He paid tribute to the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
