New Delhi | Nov 16 | SKY LINK TIMES |
42 Indian Pilgrims Feared Dead:
At least 42 Indian pilgrims of Umrah are feared dead after a bus carrying them collided with a diesel tanker near Medina, Saudi Arabia, on Monday. Local Saudi media reported that the bus burst into flames following the impact, leaving many passengers charred beyond recognition.
According to early reports, several of the victims from 42 Indian Pilgrims are believed to be from Hyderabad, with officials working to confirm their identities.
Table of Contents
Many Victims Believed to Be From Hyderabad
Telangana’s Information Technology Minister D. Sridhar Babu said preliminary inputs suggest that at least 16 of the deceased were Hyderabad residents, most belonging to the Bazarghat area of Mallepalli.
He said state officials were “closely coordinating with central authorities to confirm the identities” and support the families affected by the tragedy.
Relatives of the victims informed media that the group had left Hyderabad on November 9 and was returning to Medina after performing Umrah in Mecca. Their travel arrangements were made through Al Meena and Al Mecca Travels in Nampally
India Responds: Embassy Activates 24×7 Helpline
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed deep shock at the tragic accident, noting that both the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are extending the “fullest support” to affected families.
“I express my sincere condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he said.
The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has set up a 24×7 control room for assistance.
Helpline Number: 8002440003 (Toll-Free)
In a statement on X, the mission said it was working closely with local authorities to collect accurate information and provide updates to Indian families.
Telangana Government Sets Up Emergency Control Room
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy called the accident “horrific” and directed state authorities to obtain immediate details of the deceased and injured.
Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao and DGP Shivadhar Reddy have been instructed to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Saudi Embassy.
The state government has also activated a control room at the Secretariat to assist families of the pilgrims and consolidate verified information.
Also Read:https://skylinktimes.in/international-gita-mahotsav-2025/
Hyderabad MP Owaisi Urges Centre to Act Quickly
Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi pushed for swift action from the central government. He said he had spoken to Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, who assured him that information was being gathered.
Owaisi also contacted the Hyderabad travel agencies involved and shared passenger details with MEA officials.
“I request the Union Government, especially EAM Dr S. Jaishankar, to bring the bodies back to India and ensure proper medical treatment for the injured,” he said.
Investigations Underway
Saudi authorities are examining the cause of the collision, which reportedly led to the bus catching fire immediately after contact with the diesel tanker. More details are expected once identification processes are completed.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Hyderabad, where anxious families await official confirmation of their loved ones’ fate.
For More Info Stay Tuned:https://skylinktimes.in
