HYDERABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said he was deeply saddened by the accident near Madina in Saudi Arabia involving Indian nationals.
"My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of those injured. Our embassy in Riyadh and the consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance," he said on X.
State leaders express grief over deaths
Several Hyderabad residents were among those killed in the Saudi bus accident. State leaders described the incident as deeply distressing and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.
They said the state government must take immediate measures to ensure proper treatment for those injured after their bus travelling from Mecca to Madina collided with a diesel tanker.
Call for stronger coordination with Centre
Leaders said that as several victims were reportedly from Hyderabad, the state government should work closely with the Ministry of External Affairs to intensify relief and support measures.
They added that details of those who died must be identified quickly and their families should receive support from the government.
KTR directs minority leaders to travel to Saudi Arabia
To support the families of minority victims, a delegation of Bharata Rashtra Samithi minority leaders will leave for Saudi Arabia on instructions from K T Rama Rao. KTR spoke to former deputy chief minister Mahmood Ali and other senior leaders over phone and advised them to travel immediately.
24×7 helpline set up in Jeddah
In view of the accident involving Indian Umrah pilgrims, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah has set up a 24×7 control room.
Helpline numbers:
8002440003 (toll-free)
0122614093
0126614276
0556122301 (WhatsApp)
Political leaders urge swift action
Kalvakuntla Kavita said she was shocked to learn that at least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims, many from Hyderabad, were feared dead. She urged the Union government and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to coordinate with Saudi authorities and support the victims' families.
Bandi Sanjay expressed grief over the loss of 42 Indian pilgrims and said he had spoken to senior officials in the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs. He said the Union home minister had already spoken to Saudi authorities and assured that injured pilgrims would receive proper medical care.