Saudi Arabia Bus Accident: Tragic Bus Accident in Saudi Arabia Claims 42 Indian Umrah Pilgrims' Lives

A heartbreaking road accident in Saudi Arabia on Monday claimed the lives of 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims, while the tragic incident occurred when a bus carrying pilgrims from Mecca to Medina collided with a diesel tanker, leading to a massive fire that engulfed the bus. Among the deceased are 20 women and 11 children, with most of the passengers reportedly hailing from Telangana and Hyderabad, while this devastating event has sent shockwaves through the communities awaiting the return of their loved ones from the sacred pilgrimage.

Details of the Catastrophic Accident

The horrific accident unfolded in Saudi Arabia as the bus, carrying Indian pilgrims who had completed their Umrah pilgrimage, was en route from Mecca to Medina. According to initial reports, the bus collided with a diesel tanker. The impact was so severe that the bus was extensively damaged and immediately caught fire. A significant number of passengers were reportedly asleep at the time of the collision, leaving them with little to no chance to react or escape. The intensity of the fire posed immense challenges for rescue operations, making it difficult to evacuate the trapped passengers. Local media outlets have confirmed that a total of 42. Individuals perished in this incident, with the majority being Indian nationals.

Government Response and Coordination

The high number of women and children among the fatalities adds to the profound grief surrounding this tragedy. Numerous families from Telangana and Hyderabad have been directly impacted by this devastating loss, while the Telangana government swiftly responded to the incident, establishing continuous contact with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has instructed state officials in Delhi to coordinate closely with the embassy to assist in the identification of the victims and to facilitate other necessary formalities. Efforts are underway to ensure that the families of the deceased receive information and support as quickly as possible during this difficult time. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident. He immediately directed the State Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao and the Director General of Police to gather comprehensive information regarding the incident. Information from the Chief Minister's Office indicated a strong possibility of several Hyderabad residents being among the victims. Consequently, the Chief Secretary of Telangana has urgently requested a detailed report from Resident Commissioner Gaurav Uppal in Delhi, while the directive is to ascertain the exact number of people from Telangana affected by the accident and to ensure immediate assistance is provided where needed. The state government stands in solidarity with the affected families during this period of immense grief.

Helplines and Control Rooms Established

In response to the tragic incident, the Indian Consulate in Jeddah has established a 24x7 control room and issued a helpline number, 8002440003. This helpline is intended for families seeking information about their loved ones involved in the accident. Plus, the Telangana government has also set up a control room. At the Secretariat to enable family members to inquire about their relatives. Families can contact these numbers: 79979-59754 and 99129-19545. These control rooms and helplines are playing a crucial role in providing essential information and support to the affected families, serving as vital lifelines in a time of crisis.

MP Owaisi's Intervention and Appeal

Asaduddin Owaisi, Member of Parliament from Hyderabad, also conveyed his condolences regarding the bus accident involving Indian Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, while speaking to news agency ANI over the phone, Owaisi stated that he has contacted two travel agencies in Hyderabad and shared passenger information with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. Owaisi also spoke with Abu Maithan George, the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, who informed him that information is being gathered from local authorities and an update would be provided soon. Owaisi has appealed to the Central Government, particularly External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, to facilitate the repatriation of the bodies to India and ensure that the injured receive necessary medical treatment.

Chief Minister Expresses Profound Grief

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy conveyed his profound grief over the severe accident in Saudi Arabia. He reacted promptly to the initial reports of the accident, which occurred while pilgrims were traveling from Mecca to Medina, and the potential involvement of Hyderabad residents. The Chief Minister has instructed officials to provide all possible assistance to those affected by this tragedy, while this unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of road safety and the precautions that must be taken during travel. The government and relevant agencies are fully engaged in this matter to ensure that relief reaches. The affected families as quickly as possible, offering solace and support in their time of need.