New Delhi, Nov 17 — At least 42 people, most of them believed to be Indian nationals, are feared dead after a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker near Medina on Monday, according to local media reports. Several victims are suspected to be residents of Hyderabad.
India’s external affairs minister S. Jaishankar, reacting to the tragedy on X, said he was “deeply shocked” by the devastating news. He added that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah were extending “the fullest support” to those affected. Jaishankar also expressed “sincere condolences to the bereaved families” and wished a swift recovery for the injured.
Telangana’s IT minister D. Sridhar Babu said early reports indicated that at least 16 of the deceased belonged to the Bazarghat locality of Hyderabad’s Mallepalli area. State officials are coordinating with central authorities to confirm the identities of the victims and gather complete information.
Relatives of the group said the pilgrims had left Hyderabad on November 9 and were returning to Medina after performing Umrah in Mecca when the accident took place. They were reportedly traveling through Al Meena and Al Mecca Travels, based in Nampally.
In response to the incident, the Ministry of External Affairs announced that a 24×7 control room has been established at the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to assist families seeking updates or support.
