Saudi Bus Crash: Jaishankar Assures Full Assistance to Bereaved Families
Saudi bus crash claims 42 Indian pilgrims.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveyed profound shock regarding the catastrophic bus accident in Saudi Arabia that involved at least 42 Indian nationals, primarily Umrah pilgrims. In a statement posted on X, he affirmed that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are extending comprehensive assistance to the affected individuals and their families. Jaishankar emphasized the government's commitment to providing all necessary support during this tragic incident, which occurred amid a journey from Mecca to Medina.
The minister extended sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the swift recovery of any injured survivors. Preliminary reports indicate that the bus, carrying pilgrims mostly from Hyderabad in Telangana, collided with a diesel tanker around 1:30 AM IST near Mufrihat, resulting in a fire that engulfed the vehicle. This devastating event has highlighted the risks associated with road travel for religious pilgrims in the region.
Lok Sabha Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi reported that at least 42 individuals from Hyderabad perished in the accident, describing the bus as having caught fire following the collision. Owaisi stated that he communicated with Abu Mathen George, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, who assured ongoing efforts to collect detailed information. Additionally, Owaisi contacted two Hyderabad-based travel agencies to furnish passenger details to the embassy and the Foreign Secretary.
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Owaisi urged the Union Government, particularly External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, to facilitate the repatriation of the victims' bodies to India without delay. He further requested assurances that any injured pilgrims receive appropriate medical care in Saudi Arabia. These appeals underscore the need for coordinated diplomatic and logistical support to address the aftermath of the tragedy.
Indian diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia continue to mobilize resources to aid the bereaved families and manage the crisis. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by Indian pilgrims undertaking sacred journeys, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures in pilgrimage transportation arrangements.
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