42 Hyderabad Umrah Pilgrims Killed in Saudi Arabia Bus–Tanker Crash; India Activates Emergency Response
A tragic road accident in Saudi Arabia claimed the lives of at least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad after their bus collided with a diesel tanker near Mufrihat, early Monday morning. The bus was travelling from Mecca to Madinah when the fatal crash occurred.
A Devastating Collision
According to early reports, the impact was extremely severe, leaving dozens dead and several others critically injured. Emergency teams and Saudi authorities rushed to the crash site, initiating rescue, recovery, and identification procedures. The exact toll is still being verified as authorities work through the wreckage.
India Sets Up Control Rooms, MEA Engaged
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah immediately activated a 24×7 emergency control room to assist affected families. A toll-free helpline number—8002440003—has been made available.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, expressing shock, said on X that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Jeddah Consulate were extending “the fullest support” to the victims and their families. He conveyed condolences and wished for the fast recovery of the injured.
Telangana Government Seeks Details, Coordinates Relief
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy called the accident “deeply distressing” and directed Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao and DGP B. Shivadhar Reddy to urgently gather information on the victims, particularly those from Telangana.
The state government has also opened a control room at the Secretariat with helplines 79979 59754 and 99129 19545 to support families seeking updates.
MP Owaisi Calls for Swift Repatriation and Medical Aid
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi expressed grief and said he had contacted two Hyderabad-based travel agencies to obtain passenger details. These were forwarded to Indian officials in Riyadh.
Owaisi also spoke to Deputy Chief of Mission Abu Mathen George, who assured him that Saudi authorities were compiling verified information.
He urged the Union Government and the MEA to ensure that the bodies of the deceased are brought back to India at the earliest and that the injured receive proper medical care.
Awaiting Further Updates
Authorities in both nations continue to coordinate relief and verification efforts. More details are expected as identification progresses and families are contacted.
