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)
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