Tragedy Strikes Indian Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia
A devastating bus accident near Medina in Saudi Arabia has left 42 Indian pilgrims feared dead, sending shockwaves through communities in Hyderabad and across India. The tragic incident occurred around 1:30 AM IST when a bus carrying 43 Umrah pilgrims collided with an oil tanker.
Immediate Response and Government Action
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, currently visiting Russia, expressed profound shock over the accident and confirmed that both the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing comprehensive support to affected Indian nationals and their families.
In Hyderabad, dozens of distressed relatives rushed to travel agencies early Monday morning, desperately seeking information about their loved ones. The bus was carrying pilgrims who had traveled from Hyderabad to perform Umrah, a religious pilgrimage that hundreds undertake from the city annually.
Telangana Government Springs into Action
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy responded immediately to the crisis, directing Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao and DGP B Shivadhar Reddy to gather complete details about the tragedy. The CM specifically sought information about how many victims were from Telangana and instructed officials to coordinate closely with the Union Ministry of External Affairs and Saudi Embassy.
Revanth Reddy also ordered immediate relief measures for affected families and authorized all necessary assistance. The state government has established a control room in the Secretariat to provide accurate information and support to families of the victims.
Helpline Numbers Established
Authorities have set up dedicated helpline numbers for families seeking information or assistance: +91 79979 59754 and +91 99129 19545. The Indian mission in Jeddah has also established a control room to coordinate assistance and support operations.
The tragedy highlights the risks faced by Indian pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for religious purposes and underscores the need for enhanced safety measures for international religious travelers.
