Tragic Saudi Bus Crash Claims Over 40 Indian Pilgrims' Lives: Families in Hyderabad Seek Assistance

The relatives of Indian pilgrims gathered at the travel agency's office in Hyderabad

Hyderabad:

Numerous relatives of Indian pilgrims hurried to the Hyderabad travel agency's office after learning about the devastating road accident involving Indian citizens in Saudi Arabia.

More than 40 individuals, predominantly from Hyderabad, reportedly lost their lives when a bus transporting Indian pilgrims from Mecca to Medina caught fire following a collision with a diesel tanker near Mufrihat early Monday.

"Seven members of my family traveled to Saudi Arabia last week. We received information about the accident this morning," a relative informed ANI news agency.

"Some family members are attempting to travel to Saudi Arabia. Government assistance would be greatly appreciated," he added.

Another clearly distressed individual, whose seven family members were passengers on the bus, mentioned that the accident occurred just 25 kilometers from Medina.

"A batch of 45-46 members traveled from Hyderabad to Saudi Arabia. The bus carrying them caught fire, and as soon as we received this information, we contacted Al Makkah Tours and Travels. We urge the government to permit us to travel to Saudi Arabia," he stated.

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah described it as a "tragic" bus accident and established a 24x7 control room. They released helpline numbers: 8002440003 (toll-free), 00966122614093, 00966126614276, and 00966556122301 (WhatsApp).

"We express our deepest condolences to the bereaved families. The Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are in communication with Saudi Haj and Umrah Ministry and other local authorities. They are also in contact with the concerned Umrah operators," they posted on X.

"A team comprising Consulate staff and Indian community volunteers is present at various hospitals and sites. The Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are providing complete support. Officials from the Embassy and Consulate are also coordinating with Telangana State officials to liaise with the affected families," they further stated.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, currently visiting Russia, expressed "deep shock" regarding the accident.

"Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing complete support to Indian nationals and families affected by this accident," he wrote on X.

"Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Pray for the speedy recovery of those injured," he added.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also expressed shock over the tragic incident.

Reddy's office announced that he has directed officials to contact the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy regarding the incident and to immediately implement necessary relief measures.

"A control room has been established at the Secretariat to monitor details and coordinate relief measures regarding this incident, providing information to families and relatives," the office stated on X.

AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi mentioned that he has spoken with an official from the Indian mission in Riyadh.

"He assured me they are gathering information about the situation. I also contacted the two Hyderabad-based travel agencies and shared passenger details with the Riyadh Embassy and the Foreign Secretary," he said.