A catastrophic road accident in Saudi Arabia has resulted in a devastating loss of life, with over 40 Indian pilgrims believed to have perished. The pilgrims were traveling from Mecca to Medina when the bus they were in collided with a diesel tanker, subsequently catching fire near Mufrihat. Early reports indicate that many of the victims hailed from Hyderabad. The Indian government has expressed profound grief and is actively coordinating relief efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences, stating, “Deeply saddened by the accident 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.” The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing full assistance, working closely with Saudi Arabian authorities to gather information and support affected families. Officials are also in contact with travel agencies to ascertain the full passenger manifest. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed officials to ensure comprehensive support for the victims and their families, while the Consulate General of India in Jeddah has established a 24/7 control room with a dedicated helpline for further assistance.
