Hyderabad, Nov 17 (KNS): At least 42 Umrah pilgrims from Telangana were killed early Monday when their bus collided with a diesel tanker near Mufrihat in Saudi Arabia. The pilgrims were travelling from Mecca to Madinah when the accident occurred. Initial reports said the impact left multiple passengers dead and several others injured.
Emergency teams and local authorities reached the site and began rescue and relief work. Officials are verifying the total number of casualties and working to identify the victims.
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has established a 24x7 control room to assist families. The mission shared a toll-free helpline, 8002440003, for inquiries. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is also coordinating with Saudi authorities.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he was deeply shocked by the incident. In a post on X, he said the Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah were providing full support to affected nationals and their families. He conveyed condolences and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was in touch with embassy officials who were collecting details and extending assistance.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the crash and directed Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao and DGP B Shivadhar Reddy to gather information on the victims, including how many passengers from Telangana were onboard. The state government is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy. A control room has been set up at the Telangana Secretariat with helplines 79979 59754 and 99129 19545.
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said he had contacted two Hyderabad-based travel agencies and shared passenger information with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. He said he also spoke to Deputy Chief of Mission Abu Mathen George, who informed him that local authorities were collecting details.
Owaisi requested the Centre to ensure the bodies are brought back to India and that injured passengers receive proper medical care.(KNS)