As the entire nation went into state of shock with mourning messages flooding in from all parts over the mishap, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in a bus accident in Saudi Arabia’s Medina.
Over 40 Indians were on board the bus that reportedly collided with an oil tanker at around 1:30 am (IST) and most of the deceased appeared to be Indians, officials said. The bus was learnt to be on its way from Mecca to Medina.Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar put the toll at 45, saying a total of 54 people from the city had left for the pilgrimage recently.
“Chief Minister has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident involving a bus carrying Indian pilgrims in Medina, Saudi Arabia early this morning. He has extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Abdullah’s office said in a post on its official X handle.
Visuals of the incident on television channels showed a massive fire engulfing the bus and thick clouds of smoke rising in the air.
Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also condoled the deaths of Indian pilgrims.“The news of 42 Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad losing their lives in a road accident in Saudi Arabia has brought immense sorrow. Those who set out for the House of Allah with pure intention returned to Him in a state of ‘ibadah’ yet the pain for their families is beyond words,” Mirwaiz said in a statement.
PM Modi offered condolences to the families of victims and said that Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance.Significantly, 24x7 control room has been set up in Consulate General of India, Jeddah
Telangana Minister for Public Enterprises and Minority Welfare, Mohammed Azharuddin, on Monday said that they will ensure that at least one family member of the victims is sent to Saudi Arabia.Azharuddin said that he is monitoring the situation and the government will ensure that at least one member is sent. “I have received information that the bodies have also charred beyond recognition. The government has also issued a helpline number,” he said further.
Follow us
