Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed deep sorrow over a fatal bus accident in Saudi Arabia that involved several Indian Umrah pilgrims, many of whom were reportedly from Hyderabad.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said that Indian missions in the Kingdom were actively coordinating assistance efforts.
“Deeply saddened by the incident in Medinah involving Indian nationals. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured,” he wrote.
PM Modi added that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah were providing “all possible assistance,” stressing that Indian officials were in close touch with Saudi authorities.
According to early reports, the tragedy occurred when a bus carrying pilgrims from Hyderabad caught fire while travelling from Mecca to Medinah.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also conveyed his condolences and concern. Calling the incident “deeply shocking,” he said in an X post that the government was extending its full support to affected families.
“Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are giving the 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,” Jaishankar wrote.
In the wake of the accident, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah announced the activation of a 24×7 control room to assist relatives and coordinate emergency measures.
A statement from the mission said officials were in “constant touch” with Saudi authorities for details on casualties, injured passengers and their hospitalisation status.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also reacted to the tragedy after reports indicated that several of the victims were from Hyderabad. According to an official release, he has spoken to officials in New Delhi and instructed them to maintain close coordination with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh for real-time updates.
