Tragedy Strikes in Saudi Arabia: 42 Indian Pilgrims Killed in Devastating Bus Crash

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A horrific bus crash in Saudi Arabia has claimed the lives of 42 Indian pilgrims, including at least 30 women and children. The accident occurred early Monday morning when the bus collided with a fuel tanker, triggering a massive fire near Mufrihat, approximately 160 km from the city of Madinah. The pilgrims were traveling from Mecca to Madinah to perform Umrah, a pilgrimage outside the Haj season. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his shock at the incident, stating that Indian officials in Saudi Arabia are providing support to the affected Indian nationals and their families. He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery for those injured. The Indian government has set up a 24x7 control room for the relatives of the victims. The numbers for the control room are 8002440003 (toll-free), 0122614093, 0126614276, and ‪+966556122301‬ (WhatsApp). Leaders from India, including AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, have expressed their shock at the incident and have appealed to the government to ensure the speedy repatriation of the bodies and treatment of the injured. The Indian consulate in Jeddah is working closely with Saudi Arabian authorities to verify the numbers of those affected by the accident. The incident has sent shockwaves across India, with many expressing their condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery for those injured.