Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
In a heartbreaking incident in Saudi Arabia, a bus carrying Indian pilgrims met with tragedy as it collided with a diesel tanker near Mufrihat, resulting in the deaths of at least 42 individuals, predominantly from Hyderabad. The bus was transporting pilgrims from Mecca to Medina during the early hours of Monday when the crash occurred, with many passengers reported to be asleep, leading to limited chances of escape as the vehicle erupted in flames. Remarkably, only one individual survived this catastrophic event.
Expressing his deep sorrow over the calamity, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reassured that the Indian embassy in Riyadh and the consulate in Jeddah are providing comprehensive support to the victims and their families. On X, Jaishankar stated, “I am deeply distressed by the accident involving Indian nationals in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are extending full support to affected nationals and their families. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We pray for the quick recovery of the injured.”
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, who represents a significant number of the deceased pilgrims, confirmed their presence on the bus and is working closely with Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, to gather further details. Owaisi has reached out to local travel agencies to provide officials with passenger information and has requested the Union Government’s assistance in repatriating the deceased to India while ensuring that the injured receive adequate medical care.
In response to the tragedy, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah labeled the incident as “tragic” and has set up a 24/7 control room to aid affected families and liaise with local authorities. The crash has left a pall over communities in Hyderabad and across India, highlighting the risks faced by pilgrims in foreign territories and the necessity for stringent emergency preparedness.
This incident raises urgent concerns regarding road safety and regulatory oversight for long-distance pilgrimage transport in Saudi Arabia. Ongoing rescue efforts are underway, with officials working to identify the victims as many were asleep prior to the collision, and the bus was consumed by flames.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has expressed his sorrow and directed state officials to collaborate with embassy personnel to offer thorough support to affected families. Indian citizens and governmental authorities continue to monitor the situation to ensure timely medical attention for survivors and the appropriate assistance for the families of the deceased.
This tragic event has captured national attention, underscoring the serious ramifications of accidents during religious pilgrimages and reaffirming the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols for pilgrims abroad.
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