Several victims reportedly from Hyderabad; India’s mission in Saudi Arabia activates 24×7 control room as families seek information
New Delhi, Nov 17 : At least 42 Indian nationals are feared dead after a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker near Medina in Saudi Arabia on Monday, according to local media reports.
The impact triggered a fire that left the victims charred, with authorities working to confirm their identities.
Preliminary information suggests that at least 16 of those killed were residents of Hyderabad, Telangana information technology minister D Sridhar Babu said.
He noted that the group is believed to be from the Bazarghat area of Mallepalli, adding that officials are verifying the details with assistance from families and travel operators.
The pilgrims had departed Hyderabad on November 9 for Umrah and were returning to Medina after offering prayers in Mecca when the accident occurred, a relative of the victims told reporters.
The group was travelling through Al Meena and Al Mecca Travels, based in Nampally.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar expressed deep shock over the tragedy, stating that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah were providing full assistance to the affected families.
He conveyed condolences to the bereaved and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
In Jeddah, the Indian mission has set up a 24×7 control room to support relatives seeking information.
The consulate shared a helpline number, 8002440003, for families to reach officials coordinating with Saudi authorities on rescue, identification, and repatriation procedures.
