What Did Kiren Rijiju Say About the Sad Bus Accident Near Madina?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Union Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
- The bus accident involved Indian Umrah pilgrims.
- Telangana government is providing assistance.
- Helpline numbers have been established for support.
- Political leaders are calling for immediate action and support.
New Delhi, Nov 17 (NationPress) Union Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed his profound sorrow on Monday regarding the bus tragedy near Madina that involved Indian Umrah pilgrims. He extended his heartfelt sympathies to the grieving families affected by this incident. The working president of Telangana's Congress, Mohammed Azharuddin, also shared his condolences.
In a post on his social media platform X, Rijiju stated, “I am devastated and deeply moved by the fatal bus accident on the Medina–Mecca highway in Saudi Arabia that resulted in the loss of Indian pilgrims. We are coordinating with our Embassy officials who are gathering further information and providing all necessary assistance. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers for strength in this difficult time.”
He also provided helpline numbers for support: “The helpline numbers are 8002440003 (toll-free), 0122614093, 0126614276, and 0556122301 (WhatsApp).”
Former Indian cricket captain and Telangana Congress working president Mohammed Azharuddin expressed his sorrow as well, stating, “I am deeply shocked by the tragic accident involving a bus carrying Indian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. My heartfelt prayers go out to everyone affected, particularly the families from Hyderabad who were involved in this unfortunate event.”
He noted that Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had promptly responded to the tragedy.
“Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Revanth Reddy Garu has swiftly taken action, instructing officials to collect comprehensive information and liaise with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy to ensure all necessary support and relief measures are provided without delay,” he added.
Azharuddin also mentioned a dedicated control room established to assist families and monitor the situation: 79979 59754 and 99129 19545.
“We stand with the families during this difficult time and will extend every possible support through the Minority Welfare Department, Govt of Telangana,” he affirmed.
Former Member of Parliament Kavitha Kalvakuntla also reacted to the tragedy, stating, “I am shocked to learn that at least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims, several from Hyderabad, are feared dead after their bus from Mecca to Madina collided with a diesel tanker. I urge the Union Government, especially External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar, to immediately coordinate with Saudi authorities to ensure all possible assistance and support for the victims’ families.”
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has established a control room in light of the bus accident involving Indian Umrah pilgrims near Madina.
“In response to the tragic bus accident near Madina, Saudi Arabia, involving Indian Umrah pilgrims, a 24x7 Control Room has been set up at the Consulate General of India in Jeddah. The helpline numbers are 8002440003 (Toll-free) 0122614093 0126614276 0556122301 (WhatsApp),” the Consulate General posted on X.
The Telangana government has also initiated a control room at Telangana Bhavan, New Delhi.
Senior officials at Telangana Bhavan are in direct contact with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Efforts are ongoing to determine the full details of the accident and verify how many individuals from Telangana were involved.
Control Room Contact Numbers at Telangana Bhavan, New Delhi:
Vandhana, PS to Resident Commissioner and Liaison Head: +91 98719 99044
CH. Chakravarthi, Public Relations Officer: +91 99583 22143
Rakshith Nail, Liaison Officer: +91 96437 23157
Senior officials from the Telangana government were in touch with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah to gather details about the Umrah pilgrims who lost their lives in the road accident near Madina early on Monday.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, officials communicated with the Consulate General in Jeddah and the Deputy Ambassador in Riyadh, seeking complete information on whether there are any pilgrims from Telangana among the victims, and if so, how many.
They instructed the Resident Commissioner and Coordination Secretary in Delhi to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs officials and provide complete details.