S Jaishankar Confirms Embassy, Consulate Support After Saudi Bus Crash

A tragic accident in Saudi Arabia has left at least 42 Indian pilgrims, mostly from Hyderabad, dead after a bus carrying them from Mecca to Medina collided with a diesel tanker near Mufrihat in the early hours of Monday. Preliminary reports indicate that most passengers were asleep at the time, leaving them little chance to escape when the bus burst into flames. Only one person is reported to have survived, underscoring the severity of the incident.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed shock at the devastating accident, assuring full support from the Indian embassy in Riyadh and the consulate in Jeddah. In a statement on X, Jaishankar wrote, “Deeply shocked at the accident involving Indian nationals in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are giving fullest support to Indian nationals and families affected by this accident. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, who represents the constituency of many victims, confirmed that 42 pilgrims from his area were onboard the bus. Owaisi said he is coordinating closely with Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, to gather details. He has also contacted two Hyderabad-based travel agencies to provide the authorities with passenger information and requested that the Union Government facilitate the return of the deceased to India and ensure proper medical care for the injured.

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has termed the incident a “tragic” accident and established a 24x7 control room to assist families and coordinate with local authorities. The devastating crash has shocked communities in Hyderabad and across India, highlighting the vulnerability of pilgrims traveling on roads in foreign countries and the importance of robust emergency preparedness.

The accident also raises questions about road safety and regulatory oversight for long-distance pilgrim transport in Saudi Arabia. Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities are still verifying the identities of victims, particularly as many were asleep during the collision and the bus was engulfed in flames.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed grief over the incident and instructed state officials to coordinate closely with embassy authorities to provide maximum support to the families affected. Meanwhile, Indian citizens and authorities continue to monitor developments, ensuring that survivors receive timely medical care and that proper assistance reaches the bereaved families.

This tragic incident has drawn national attention, emphasizing the human cost of accidents during religious pilgrimages and reinforcing the need for heightened safety measures for pilgrims traveling abroad.