What leaders said on the Saudi bus-tanker collision that killed 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims

A devastating bus accident near Medina, Saudi Arabia, has claimed the lives of at least 45 people, with most victims believed to be Indian pilgrims from Hyderabad, officials confirmed on Monday. The tragedy occurred in the early hours of Monday when a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker, casting a shadow of sorrow over the Indian community. The accident took place approximately 25 kilometres before reaching Medina.

Later, Hyderabad City Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar reportedly stated that 54 pilgrims had traveled from Hyderabad to Jeddah on November 9, and a majority of those killed hailed from the city, including at least 16 residents of the Mallepally and Bazarghat neighbourhoods. However, the exact number of Indian casualties is still being verified.

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The Indian Consulate in Jeddah issued a statement expressing deep condolences to the families of the victims. “Following the tragic accident involving a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims near Medina last night, a 24×7 control room has been set up at the Indian Consulate in Jeddah to assist affected pilgrims and their families,” according to the statement.

The helpline contact numbers are 8002440003 (toll-free), 00966122614093, 00966126614276, and 00966556122301 (WhatsApp).

A control room has also been set up at Telangana Bhavan, New Delhi, in connection with the accident. Senior officials at Telangana Bhavan are in direct contact with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and efforts are underway to ascertain the full details of the accident and confirm how many individuals from Telangana were involved.

Control Room Contact Numbers at Telangana Bhavan, New Delhi, are

Ms Vandhana, PS to Resident Commissioner & Liaison Head: +91 98719 99044

C H Chakravarthi, Public Relations Officer: +91 99583 22143

Rakshith Nail, Liaison Officer: +91 96437 23157

The Consulate, along with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, is coordinating closely with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and local authorities, as well as with Umrah operators, to provide support. Teams of consulate staff and Indian community volunteers are present at hospitals and sites monitoring the situation. Additionally, the Telangana government has established a helpline in Hyderabad to aid families seeking information.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound grief over the incident via his official X handle, stating, “My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured.” Modi’s message underscores the collective mourning felt across India and the government’s commitment to support the victims.

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan expressed his heartfelt condolences to bereaved families, saying: “Deeply pained by the tragic road accident near Medinah, Saudi Arabia, involving Indian nationals. My thoughts are with the affected families during this difficult time.”

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveyed shock over the accident and assured that the Indian Embassy and Consulate are providing full assistance to those affected.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also expressed shock over the incident and said that the government is in contact with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh after local media reported that Indian Umrah pilgrims were killed in the accident.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also condoled the death of Indian pilgrims, urging the Centre to closely coordinate with state authorities to provide succor to the families of the deceased.

“Deeply saddened by the heart-wrenching tragedy near Medinah, Saudi Arabia, involving several Indian nationals. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families, and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured,” he said in a post on X. “The Union Government, through the @MEAIndia should closely coordinate with state authorities and the families of the victims here in India to provide succour and relief, in this difficult time,” he said.

Kharge said he has instructed the Telangana Chief Minister to provide all possible assistance to the families of the victims, and is closely monitoring the situation.

Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also extended his condolences, saying in a post on his handle, X: “I’m shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic bus accident on the Medina–Mecca highway in Saudi Arabia that claimed the lives of Indian pilgrims….We are in touch with our Embassy officials who are gathering more details & extending all possible assistance. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers for strength in this difficult time.”

Also, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the bus accident in Saudi Arabia’s Medina.

The tragic collision highlights the vulnerabilities faced by Indian pilgrims abroad and underscores the need for continued vigilance and support to ensure their safety. As investigations proceed, the nation stands united in mourning the lives lost and hopes for healing and justice for the families impacted by the incident.