Indian Umrah Pilgrims Feared Dead in Bus–Tanker Collision Near Madinah

Many Indian Umrah pilgrims are feared dead after a passenger bus travelling from Mecca to Madinah collided with a diesel tanker early this morning. According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred around 1.30 am IST at a location identified as Mufrihat. Initial reports indicate that the victims included women and children. The group was returning from Mecca after completing their rituals and was en route to Madinah at the time of the accident. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has expressed grief over the accident involving Indian nationals in Medinah in Saudi Arabia.

In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar said that the Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are giving the fullest support to Indian nationals and families affected by this accident. The Minister of External Affairs expressed his condolences to the grieving families. He also offered prayers for the swift recovery of the injured. The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has issued a helpline number in view of the tragic bus accident near Madina in Saudi Arabia today. In a social media post, the consulate informed that a 24*7 control room has been set up in the premises. The helpline numbers are 8002440003, 0122614093, 0126614276 and 0556122301.