Tragic Bus Collision Near Medina Claims Lives of 42 Indian Pilgrims: Government Response and Assistance Efforts

The Telangana government has established communication with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh following a tragic accident near Medina.

A devastating collision between a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims and a diesel tanker near Medina has resulted in approximately 45 fatalities, with around 42 victims reportedly being Indian nationals, according to Saudi Arabian local media sources.

The accident occurred around 1:30 am IST near Mufrihat as the bus was traveling from Mecca to Medina. Reports indicate that most passengers on the bus were from Hyderabad, Telangana, as stated by Khaleej Times.

The pilgrims had completed their religious rituals in Mecca and were en route to Medina when the tragic incident happened.

Gulf News reported that many passengers were asleep during the collision, leaving them with little opportunity to escape when the bus erupted into flames after impact.

The report indicates that among the victims were at least 11 women and 10 children, though authorities are still working to confirm these numbers.

Rescue teams have reported that the bus was completely charred, making victim identification extremely difficult. There are reports that one individual, Mohd Abdul Shoiab, survived the accident and is currently hospitalized, though his condition remains unknown.

The Telangana government has stated it is maintaining contact with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has instructed officials in New Delhi to work closely with embassy authorities to address the situation.

The government has also directed the Resident Commissioner to collect details regarding victims from Telangana, and a control room has been established in the state secretariat to manage information and assistance.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock over the tragedy involving Indian pilgrims traveling from Mecca to Medina in Saudi Arabia and has set up a control room to provide assistance.

The government has issued control room contact numbers (+91 7997959754 and +91 9912919545) to assist the families of victims.

Additionally, the Indian embassy in Jeddah has established a 24/7 control room and provided a toll-free helpline number (8002440003) for assistance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences for the lives lost in the Saudi bus accident, stating: "Deeply saddened by the accident in Medinah involving Indian nationals. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with Saudi Arabian authorities."

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi reported that 42 umrah pilgrims were on the bus when it caught fire. He mentioned being in contact with Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, who assured him they were gathering information about the accident.

Reports indicate that approximately 16 Umrah pilgrims who had arranged travel through Hyderabad-based agencies, Al-Meena Hajj and Umrah Travels, were among those killed in the devastating bus fire.

Owaisi has requested that the central government facilitate the repatriation of victims' remains to India and ensure proper medical treatment for the injured.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar expressed being deeply shocked by the accident involving Indian nationals in Medinah and assured that the Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing full support to affected Indian nationals and their families. He extended sincere condolences to bereaved families and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.