More than 40 Indians are feared dead in a horrific road accident in Saudi Arabia. The accident occurred when a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with an oil tanker. According to Saudi media reports, the accident occurred near Medina, and the deceased are believed to be Indian Umrah pilgrims, many of whom are residents of Hyderabad.
Bus Collides with Diesel Tanker
According to Gulf News reports, the bus carrying Umrah pilgrims was traveling from Mecca to Medina when it collided with a diesel tanker. The accident occurred around 1:30 a.m. local time in the Muhras or Mufriyat area, about 160 kilometers from Medina. Many passengers were sleeping at the time of the accident. The bus burst into flames upon impact, leaving no time for anyone to escape. The accident was so horrific that it is difficult to identify the deceased. At least 42 people are reported dead in the accident, including several passengers from Hyderabad. Women and children were among the dead.
Prime Minister Modi expressed grief over the accident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the accident in Saudi Arabia. In a post shared on social media, PM Modi wrote, "I am deeply saddened by the tragedy involving Indian citizens in Medina. My condolences to the families of the victims. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured in the accident. Our Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in touch with officials of the Saudi Arabian government."
Telangana Government Issues Statement
A statement issued by the Telangana Chief Minister's Office expressed grief over the road accident in Saudi Arabia and said that the Chief Minister has immediately directed the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to gather complete information regarding the accident. He also requested information on how many of the people who reportedly died in the accident were residents of Hyderabad. The Chief Minister has advised top government officials to contact the Ministry of External Affairs and obtain information from the Saudi Arabian Embassy. On the Chief Secretary's instructions, officials are investigating how many of the victims of the accident in Saudi Arabia were from Telangana, and instructions have been given to set up a control room in the Secretariat to provide information to the families of the victims.
Consulate General Releases Toll-Free Number
The Indian Consulate General in Jeddah posted on social media that a 24x7 control room has been set up for Indian Umrah pilgrims affected by the tragic accident in Medina, Saudi Arabia, with a toll-free number of 8002440003.
Owaisi Sought Information from Travel Agencies and the Embassy
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi also expressed grief over the road accident in Saudi Arabia. Owaisi said that he has contacted two Hyderabad travel agencies and sought information about Hyderabadi people who traveled to Saudi Arabia. He has also contacted the Riyadh Embassy. Owaisi said he also spoke with Abu Mathew George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, who informed him that they were gathering information about the accident and would update him soon.
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar Tweeted
Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar expressed grief over the road accident in Medina and wrote in a post shared on social media that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are providing assistance to those affected by the accident. The Foreign Minister paid tribute to those killed in the accident and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also expressed grief over the Saudi Arabia accident. He stated that the government is in touch with embassy officials and is gathering information about the victims and providing all possible assistance. The Union Minister expressed condolences to the families of the victims and also provided helpline numbers where information about the victims can be obtained. These numbers are – 8002440003 (toll-free), 0122614093, 0126614276, 0556122301 (WhatsApp number)
Sanchar Saathi App: The government has removed the requirement for pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app, stating that its acceptance is increasing.
The Central Government has issued a major statement regarding the Sanchar Sathi app. The government has not mandated the pre-installation of this app on phones. The Ministry of Telecommunications
PM Modi Karnataka Visit: 'Udupi has been the work place of the Jan Sangh and BJP's good governance model,' PM Modi said in Karnataka
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Karnataka on his one-day visit. Jagadguru Sri Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji felicitated Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Udupi with the Vishwa Geeta Paryayam
Tanya Mittal: Tanya Mittal gives a blunt response to critics after being called "fake," and also addresses the issue of having bodyguards.
The journey of the reality show 'Bigg Boss 19' may have ended, but contestant Tanya Mittal, who was a part of the show, continues to be in the headlines. Tanya, who finished in fourth place, has
Rohit-Virat: 'If you want to play for India, playing domestic cricket is mandatory', BCCI's strict message to Kohli-Rohit
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sent a clear message to two of the country's legendary cricketers, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The board has told them that if they wish to
IND vs SA: "Everyone is playing scared..." Former cricketer lashed out at the team management after India were all out for 93.
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif said that Indian Test batsmen are struggling at home due to selection uncertainty.
People in Delhi-NCR, troubled by the smog, are heading to the mountains, resulting in huge crowds of tourists in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
People troubled by rising pollution and smog in the plains, including the capital Delhi, are heading to the mountains. Tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are witnessing a surge
The Vishwa Hindu Raksha Parishad burned an effigy of the Bangladeshi president in Lucknow during a protest.
The Vishwa Hindu Raksha Parishad (World Hindu Protection Council) has become quite vocal regarding the persecution and killings of Hindus in Bangladesh. In Lucknow on Wednesday, the Hindu Raksha
SIR in UP: 'Doubts persist regarding SIR,' Ramgopal Yadav demands clarification, criticizes the government over narcotic cough syrup.
People have many doubts and suspicions regarding the Special Summary Revision (SSR). Those who are not found at their homes are being marked as absent by the Booth Level Officers (BLOs). This will
Salman Khan's craze is evident among children, as Bhaijaan is seen sweating it out, preparing for the Dabangg tour; watch the viral video.
Salman Khan has taken a break from hosting "Bigg Boss 19" and embarked on the Dabangg Tour. Rohit Shetty is now hosting the show in his place. Several videos from the Dabangg Tour are going viral on
Bangladesh: India-Bangladesh relations are going through a rough patch; Dhaka has suspended visa services
India-Bangladesh relations have been going through a rough patch since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina's government in Bangladesh. The recent death of radical leader Usman Hadi has further strained
