What Happened in the Saudi Bus Tragedy? Indian Consulate Opens Camp Office in Madinah
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a tragic incident, 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims lost their lives in a bus accident near Madinah. The Indian Consulate has set up a camp office in Madinah to support the victims' families, while the Telangana government sends a delegation to assist in the aftermath.
Key Takeaways
- Indian Consulate opens a camp office in Madinah.
- Telangana government sends delegation for support.
- Compensation of Rs 5 lakh for each deceased family.
- Funeral rites may be held in Saudi Arabia.
- Helplines activated for affected families.
Hyderabad, Nov 18 (NationPress) The Indian Consulate General in Jeddah has established a temporary office in the Indian Haj Pilgrims Office, located in Madinah, to provide support to the families of the Indian Umrah pilgrims who tragically lost their lives in a bus accident.
This office can be found in Room No. 104, on the first floor of the Saroor Taiba Al-Dahbiya Hotel, Al Masani, Madinah, as shared by the Consulate General on the platform ‘X’.
In addition, a delegation from the Telangana government, headed by Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin, departed for Saudi Arabia on Monday night to assist the victims' families.
The delegation includes All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MLA Majid Hussain and B. Shafiullah, Secretary of the Minorities Welfare Department.
They will liaise with Indian embassy representatives and Saudi officials to coordinate efforts to support the bereaved families.
This delegation was dispatched following a decision made by the Telangana Cabinet on Monday, which resolved to provide a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of each individual who passed away.
At least 45 Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad lost their lives when their bus collided with a diesel tanker near the holy city of Madinah late Sunday night. One survivor is currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.
An official statement from the state government indicated that funeral rites may be conducted in Saudi Arabia according to religious practices.
As per the Cabinet's decision, the government will arrange for two family members from each bereaved household to travel to Saudi Arabia to participate in the last rites.
The government has swiftly taken multi-level actions in response to this devastating bus accident, which occurred approximately 30 km from Madinah.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy promptly instructed the Chief Secretary and DGP to collaborate with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, and Saudi authorities to confirm details.
Helplines have been activated in Hyderabad and New Delhi to assist families and ensure continuous communication.
Industries and IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu engaged with Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh to seek expedited confirmation, support, and assistance from the Government of India.
The Telangana Resident Commissioner in New Delhi, Dr. Shashank Goel, led an emergency review meeting at Telangana Bhavan. Officials were tasked with maintaining steady communication with the MEA, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, and Saudi authorities.
A dedicated Liaison Officer from Telangana Bhavan has been assigned to the MEA office for round-the-clock coordination. Dr. Gaurav Uppal, Secretary (Coordination), and senior officials participated in the meeting.
Point of View
The incident highlights the need for enhanced safety measures for pilgrims traveling abroad. The swift response from both the Indian Consulate and the Telangana government demonstrates a commitment to supporting affected families during this tragic time. Such incidents underscore the importance of vigilance and preparedness in ensuring the safety of our citizens abroad.
NationPress
18/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the bus accident?
The bus collided with a diesel tanker near Madinah, leading to the tragic loss of lives.
How many people died in the accident?
At least 45 Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad lost their lives in the accident.
What support is being provided to the victims' families?
The Indian Consulate has set up a camp office in Madinah, and the Telangana government is providing compensation and facilitating travel for family members to participate in funeral rites.
Who is leading the Telangana delegation to Saudi Arabia?
The delegation is led by Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin.
How can families get in touch for assistance?
Helplines have been activated in Hyderabad and New Delhi for families to reach out for support.
