NEW DELHI, Nov 17: Several Indian Umrah pilgrims, many of them from Telangana, are feared dead after a bus carrying around 42 Indians collided with an oil tanker near Madina in Saudi Arabia early Monday around 1:30 am (IST).
The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has set up a control room to coordinate support for affected families, while the Embassy in Riyadh is also closely monitoring the situation.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, currently visiting Russia, expressed deep shock over the tragedy. He said India’s missions in Riyadh and Jeddah are extending “fullest support” to the injured and their families. “Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he posted on social media.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also expressed concern after receiving preliminary information that the pilgrims, including residents of Hyderabad, were travelling from Mecca to Madina when the accident occurred. He directed the chief secretary and the DGP to obtain complete details and coordinate immediately with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy.
The Chief Minister’s Office said Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao has already spoken with Coordination Secretary Gaurav Uppal in Delhi and issued necessary directives. A control room has also been set up at the Telangana Secretariat to monitor updates, oversee relief measures, and provide information to families and relatives. (Agencies)
