45 Indian Umrah pilgrims feared dead after bus collides with diesel tanker near Madinah | VIDEO
Hyderabad: At least 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims are feared dead after a passenger bus carrying devotees from Mecca to Madinah collided with a diesel tanker early Monday morning. The incident occurred around 1.30 am IST at a location identified as Mufrihat, according to preliminary reports.
As per sources, the victims, including women and children, were from Hyderabad. Early information suggests that around 20 women and 11 children were in the bus at the time of the tragedy.
The pilgrims, after completing their rituals in Mecca, were on their way to Madinah. Many passengers were reportedly asleep when the collision occurred.
While 42 deaths have been reported by local sources, officials are still verifying the exact number of casualties and the condition of survivors.
What has the Indian government been told so far?
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi expressed deep grief over the tragedy and said he has been in touch with multiple authorities to gather verified information.
Speaking to ANI, Owaisi said he contacted two Hyderabad-based travel agencies connected to the pilgrims and has already shared their details with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Foreign Secretary.
Owaisi also spoke to Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh.
“Forty-two Hajj pilgrims who were travelling from Mecca to Medina were on a bus that caught fire...I spoke to Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, and he assured me that they are gathering information about the matter. I have contacted two Hyderabad-based travel agencies and shared the passengers’ details with the Riyadh Embassy and the Foreign Secretary,” said Asaduddin Owaisi, MP, Hyderabad
The Hyderabad MP has appealed to the Union Government, particularly External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, to ensure swift repatriation of bodies and proper treatment for any injured survivors.
“I request the Union Government, especially EAM Dr S. Jaishankar, to bring the bodies back to India and, if anyone is injured, ensure that they receive proper medical treatment,” Owaisi added.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also expressed shock and deep concern. He directed the Chief Secretary and DGP to gather verified information on how many Telangana residents were involved.
The CM instructed state officials to coordinate closely with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy, and said that if necessary, Telangana officials should enter the field to ‘provide appropriate relief efforts’.
A control room has also been set up at the Telangana Secretariat, according to the Telangana CMO. Dedicated helpline numbers: 8002440003 (toll-free), 00966-12-2614093, 00966-12-6614276, and 00966-55-6122301 (WhatsApp), have been activated for families seeking information about their relatives.