Tragic Road Accident in Saudi Arabia: 42 Indian Umrah Pilgrims Killed

Saudi Arabia (The Uttam Hindu): A tragic road accident in Saudi Arabia on Monday claimed the lives of 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims, most of whom were from Hyderabad. The bus, carrying families travelling from Mecca towards Medina, collided with a diesel tanker, leading to a massive fire that engulfed the vehicle within minutes.

According to reports, the deceased include 20 women and 11 children, making the incident one of the deadliest accidents involving Indian pilgrims in recent years. Local media sources indicate that most passengers on the bus were Indian nationals, many of them undertaking the religious Umrah journey.

Immediate Response From Telangana Government

Following the incident, the Telangana government announced that it is in constant touch with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy directed officials stationed in Delhi to remain in close coordination with embassy authorities to assist in the identification of victims and complete necessary formalities.

Indian Embassy Issues 24x7 Helpline

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

‪+966556122301‬ (WhatsApp)

Meanwhile, the Telangana government has also established a control room at the state secretariat for families searching for updates on their relatives. The emergency contact numbers issued by the state are:

79979-59754, 99129-19545

Political Leaders Seek Immediate Action

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. Speaking to the media, he confirmed that he has contacted two Hyderabad-based travel agencies involved in organizing the pilgrimage. He has also shared the travelers’ details with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh.

Owaisi further stated that he spoke with Abu Maithan George, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy, who assured him that local authorities are collecting information and updates will be provided soon.

He urged the central government and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar to ensure the repatriation of bodies to India and immediate medical support for the injured.