Over 40 Indians feared dead in Saudi Arabia: Mecca-bound bus collides with diesel tanker; majority pilgrims from Hyderabad

NEW DELHI: More than 40 Indian Umrah pilgrims are feared dead after a passenger bus collided with a diesel tanker in Saudi Arabia early Monday, according to initial reports from local sources.

Many of the victims are believed to be from Hyderabad.Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy said he was shocked to learn about the accident involving pilgrims from the state, with early information indicating that 42 people were on board the bus. He directed the chief secretary and director general of police to immediately gather complete details, including the number of passengers from Telangana.

“He asked how many people lived in Telangana. He advised them to speak with officials from the Central Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy.

He ordered that, if necessary, they should immediately enter the field to provide appropriate relief efforts. With the CM's orders, CS Ramakrishna Rao alerted the Resident Commissioner Gaurav Uppal, who is in Delhi. He ordered to collect details on how many people belonging to our state are in the accident and provide them immediately.

A control room was set up in the Secretariat," the CMO said.The crash occurred around 1.30 am IST while the bus was travelling from Mecca to Medina.

The pilgrims had completed their rituals in Mecca and were heading to Medina when the collision happened. Most passengers were reportedly asleep at the time. Preliminary information suggests the victims include 20 women and 11 children from Hyderabad.Local residents rushed to the spot to assist rescue teams. While Saudi authorities have yet to issue an official toll, on-ground sources said more than 40 people died on the spot.

The bus is believed to have been carrying pilgrims from Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana.The Telangana government has set up a control room at the state Secretariat to coordinate information and assist affected families. Officials have been instructed to remain in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs and Saudi authorities as the situation unfolds.