Telangana information technology minister D Sridhar Babu said that initial information suggests that at least 16 of those killed were Hyderabad residents.
A major tragedy struck near Medina in Saudi Arabia on Monday when a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims crashed into a diesel tanker, which caused a massive fire. Dozens of people lost their lives in the horrific accident, many of whom are believed to be Indian nationals from Hyderabad. Authorities and families are now trying to confirm the identities of the victims as rescue and support measures continue.
A devastating accident near Medina in Saudi Arabia killed at least 42 people on Monday after a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker. Local media reported that the bus caught fire immediately after the impact, leaving many passengers charred to death. Officials believe several of the victims were Indian nationals, including many from Hyderabad.
Telangana information technology minister D Sridhar Babu said that initial information suggests that at least 16 of those killed were Hyderabad residents. He said they were all reportedly from the Bazarghat area of Mallepalli, but officials are still confirming the identities.
The group had left Hyderabad on November 9. A relative of one of the victims said they were returning to Medina after offering Umrah prayers in Mecca when the crash happened. They were travelling through Al Meena and Al Mecca Travels based in Nampally.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he was “deeply shocked” by the accident involving Indian nationals in Medina. He said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah were giving the “fullest support” to the affected families. He offered his “sincere condolences to the bereaved families” and prayed for the “speedy recovery of those injured.”
The Indian Embassy in Jeddah announced a helpline for families seeking information about their relatives. In a post on X, the mission said, “In view of a tragic bus accident near Madina, Saudi Arabia, involving Indian Umrah pilgrims, a 24x7 Control Room has been set up in the Consulate General of India, Jeddah. The contact details of the Helpline are as follows: Toll-free number- 8002440003.”
The Telangana government said it is coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh to gather all details. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock over the “horrific accident involving a bus carrying Indian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.” He directed Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao and DGP Shivadhar Reddy to urgently gather information on the victims and confirm how many Telangana residents were on the bus.
The chief secretary also alerted Resident Commissioner Gaurav Uppal in Delhi. Officials have been asked to work closely with the External Affairs Ministry and the Saudi Embassy. Telangana also set up a control room at the State Secretariat to help families and compile verified information.
AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi urged the Centre to take immediate steps after the tragic accident. Owaisi said he had spoken to Abu Mathen George, deputy chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, who “assured me that they are gathering information about the matter.”
He said he contacted two Hyderabad-based travel agencies and shared passenger details with the Riyadh Embassy and the Foreign Secretary. “I request the Union Government, especially EAM Dr S Jaishankar, to bring the bodies back to India and, if anyone is injured, ensure that they receive proper medical treatment,” he added.
Authorities in both India and Saudi Arabia are working to confirm identities and assist families as the investigation into the accident continues.
