A tragic road accident has left Indian pilgrims Dead in Saudi Arabia, after a bus carrying Umrah travellers collided with a diesel tanker near Madinah, resulting in the deaths of at least 42 Indian nationals. Many of the victims were reportedly from Hyderabad, and the incident has prompted immediate intervention from both the Telangana government and Indian authorities as rescue and verification efforts continue.
The accident took place around 1:30 am IST in Mufrihat, approximately 160 km from Madinah. The bus was carrying 43 passengers, and early inputs suggest that only one person survived, leaving families in shock and grief across Telangana.
Many Victims From Hyderabad’s Mallepalli Area
Telangana Information Technology Minister D. Sridhar Babu confirmed that at least 16 victims were from Hyderabad, particularly from the Bazarghat area of Mallepalli. Efforts are underway to verify identities as the situation remains fluid.
The Indian pilgrims Dead in Saudi Arabia group had departed from Hyderabad on November 9 for Umrah and was returning to Madinah after offering prayers in Mecca. They had travelled through Al Meena and Al Mecca Travels, based in Nampally.
India’s External Affairs Ministry Responds
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed deep shock and offered condolences to the grieving families, assuring that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah were providing full support and assistance.
A 24×7 helpline has been activated by the Indian Consulate in Jeddah for affected families:
Toll-Free Helpline Number: 8002440003
Telangana Government Sets Up Control Room
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy directed state officials to coordinate with the External Affairs Ministry, the Saudi Embassy, and local authorities to gather accurate information and expedite assistance.
A control room has been established at the Telangana State Secretariat to help families track updates. Resident Commissioner Gaurav Uppal in New Delhi has also been tasked with collecting victim details.
Hyderabad MP Owaisi Calls for Quick Central Intervention
AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi urged the Central Government to ensure the repatriation of the bodies and medical assistance for the injured. He confirmed that he had spoken with officials at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and shared passenger details with the authorities.
