NEW DELHI: More than 40 Indian Umrah pilgrims are feared dead after a passenger bus collided with a diesel tanker near Medina in Saudi Arabia early Monday. Video from the scene showed the bus engulfed in flames, with smoke billowing into the night sky as emergency teams and local residents rushed to the spot. Officials at the site said many passengers were trapped inside when the fire spread rapidly.24×7 helpline numbers:8002440003 (Toll free)0122614093 | 0126614276 | 0556122301 (WhatsApp)
Majority of victims from Hyderabad
Initial reports suggest many of the victims were from Hyderabad, including 20 women and 11 children. Most were asleep when the crash occurred around 1.30 am IST, while the bus was travelling from Mecca to Medina after the pilgrims had completed their rituals in Mecca.Local residents were seen rushing in with water, blankets and tools to help rescue teams, even as the flames consumed most of the bus. Saudi authorities have not yet released an official toll, but on-ground sources said more than 40 passengers died on the spot.
Telangana CM seeks full report
Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy said he was shocked by the tragedy. He directed the chief secretary and the DGP to gather full details, coordinate with the Ministry of external affairs and the Saudi embassy, and extend immediate support to affected families.“He asked how many people lived in Telangana. He advised them to speak with officials from the Central Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy. He ordered that, if necessary, they should immediately enter the field to provide appropriate relief efforts,” the CMO said.A control room has been set up at the Telangana Secretariat to assist families of the victims.
Indian consulate in Jeddah activates 24×7 control room
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has launched a round-the-clock helpline to provide updates and assistance to relatives of the pilgrims.Helpline (toll free): 8002440003
EAM Jaishankar, PM Modi react
External affairs minister S Jaishankar wrote on X: “Deeply shocked at the accident involving Indian nationals in Medinah… Sincere condolences to the bereaved families.”Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief, saying he was “deeply saddened” and that Indian missions in Saudi Arabia were providing “all possible assistance.”Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi told ANI he had contacted two Hyderabad-based travel agencies and shared passenger lists with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. He also spoke to deputy chief of mission Abu Mathen George, who said Saudi authorities were collecting further details.
