Tragic Accident In Saudi Arabia Claims Lives Of 45 Hyderabad Umrah Pilgrims

A tragic accident in Saudi Arabia resulted in the deaths of at least 45 Umrah pilgrims when their bus collided with a diesel tanker near Madinah. Local reports suggest many victims were Indian nationals, primarily from Hyderabad. Telangana's information technology minister, D Sridhar Babu, mentioned that preliminary data indicates 16 of the deceased were residents of Hyderabad's Mallepalli area.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar confirmed the incident, stating, "45 people have died, and there is only one survivor who is currently in the hospital." The accident occurred around 1:30 am IST in Mufrihat, approximately 160 km from Madinah. The group had embarked on their journey from Hyderabad on November 9 and was returning to Madinah after performing Umrah prayers in Mecca.

Details of the Tragic Incident

The pilgrims travelled through Al Meena and Al Mecca Travels based in Nampally. According to Police Commissioner Sajjanar, their travel itinerary spanned from November 9 to 23. A total of 54 members flew from Hyderabad to Jeddah on November 9. Four individuals proceeded to Madinah by car, while another four remained in Mecca. The remaining 46 continued by bus.

The collision happened about 25 kilometres from Madinah when the bus hit an oil tanker. Only one passenger, Mohammad Abdul Suyaib, survived and is receiving treatment at the Saudi German Hospital's ICU. The bodies of those who perished have been moved to a local hospital for identification and further procedures.

Government Response and Support

The Telangana government has been actively coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh for urgent relief measures. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock over the incident and instructed officials to gather details about the victims. He directed chief secretary K Ramakrishna Rao and DGP Shivadhar Reddy to ascertain how many Telangana residents were involved.

Additionally, Resident Commissioner Gaurav Uppal in Delhi has been tasked with collecting information about Telangana residents affected by this tragedy. A control room has been established at the State Secretariat to assist families and consolidate information related to this unfortunate event.

Efforts by Indian Authorities

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his shock over the accident involving Indian nationals in Madinah. He assured that both the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are providing full support to those affected and their families. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished for a speedy recovery for those injured.

The Indian Embassy in Jeddah has set up a helpline for families affected by this tragedy. In a post on X, they announced a 24x7 Control Room at the Consulate General of India in Jeddah with a toll-free number: 8002440003.

Calls for Immediate Action

AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi urged immediate action from the Centre following this fatal accident. Owaisi spoke with Abu Mathen George, deputy chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, who assured him that they are gathering information about the matter.

Owaisi also contacted two Hyderabad-based travel agencies and shared passenger details with both the Riyadh Embassy and Foreign Secretary. He requested Union Government intervention, particularly urging EAM Dr S Jaishankar to facilitate bringing back bodies to India and ensuring proper medical treatment for any injured individuals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also commented on X about this tragic event. He stated that Indian officials are closely working with Saudi authorities while extending all possible assistance through both embassies located within Saudi Arabia.