Saudi Arabia Bus Accident Highlights: 42 Indians Dead, PM Modi and Top Leaders Offer Condolences

A major tragedy unfolded in Saudi Arabia on Monday when a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with a tanker near Medina, killing at least 42 Indian nationals. The passengers were travelling from Mecca to Medina when the bus caught fire after the collision, leaving the vehicle completely charred.

National Leaders Condemn the Tragedy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the incident, stating, “My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured.”

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

Survivor and Identification Challenges

According to rescue officials, one person, identified as Mohd Abdul Shoiab, survived the accident and is currently hospitalised. His condition remains uncertain. The intense blaze has made victim identification extremely difficult.

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has opened a 24×7 control room (8002440003).
The Indian government has also issued emergency numbers: +91 7997959754 and +91 9912919545 for assistance.

Telangana Government Announces Support

The Telangana government has declared a compensation of ₹5 lakh for each of the families of the 45 Umrah pilgrims from the state who lost their lives. The decision was taken during a state Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.

A delegation led by Minister for Minorities Welfare Mohammed Azharuddin, along with an AIMIM MLA and a senior minorities welfare official, will travel to Saudi Arabia. The Cabinet also confirmed that the last rites of the victims will be performed in Saudi Arabia according to their religious customs.

Among the deceased were 18 members of a single Hyderabad family, including nine children.

Hyderabad Police Chief Shares Details

Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar reported that initial information suggests 45 people from Hyderabad died in the crash. A group of 54 pilgrims had left for Jeddah on November 9, with most scheduled to return on November 23.

Of the travellers, 46 were on the ill-fated bus when it collided with an oil tanker about 25 km from Medina. Only one individual survived and is currently receiving medical care.

Andhra Pradesh Leaders Express Grief

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed sorrow over the loss of lives.

CM Naidu posted, “I’m deeply saddened to hear about the tragic accident in Saudi Arabia that took the lives of our fellow brothers and sisters from Telangana who were on the holy Umrah pilgrimage.”

Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan called it “heartbreaking,” while YS Jagan Mohan Reddy conveyed profound grief over the tragedy.

News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.