PM Modi Expresses Grief Over Saudi Bus Accident Involving Indian Pilgrims
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed grief over the tragic bus accident in Saudi Arabia involving several Indian Umrah pilgrims near Medinah.
According to the Indian mission in Jeddah, a passenger bus carrying Indian pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker early Monday morning.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “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. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with Saudi Arabian authorities.”
Earlier, EAM Jaishankar said he was “deeply shocked” by the incident and noted that Indian officials were extending full support to the affected families. “Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he posted.
Following the accident, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah set up a 24/7 control room to assist families and coordinate with Saudi authorities. The helpline numbers issued are: 8002440003 (toll free), 0122614093, 0126614276, and 0556122301 (WhatsApp).
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said, “I’m shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic bus accident on the Medina-Mecca highway in Saudi Arabia that claimed the lives of Indian pilgrims. We are in touch with our Embassy officials who are gathering more details & extending all possible assistance. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers for strength in this difficult time. The contact details of the Helpline are as under: 8002440003 (Toll free), 0122614093, 0126614276, 0556122301 (WhatsApp).”
Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu said in a post on X, “I’m deeply saddened to hear about the tragic accident in Saudi Arabia that took the lives of our fellow brothers and sisters from Telangana who were on the holy Umrah pilgrimage. May their souls rest in peace, and may the bereaved families find strength and solace in this difficult time.”
Andhra Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said, “It is reported that the majority of the deceased were Muslim pilgrims from Hyderabad. Expressing condolences for their demise, I convey my deepest sympathies to the family members”.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the incident after reports indicated that multiple state residents were among the victims. He said he had directed the Chief Secretary and the DGP to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh to obtain updates and assist affected families.
The Telangana Chief Minister’s Office also announced that a control room has been set up in the state Secretariat in Hyderabad to provide information to families. The contact numbers are +91 79979 59754 and +91 99129 19545.
