Vice President and Prime Minister expressed sorrow on Monday over the death of Indian pilgrims in a bus accident in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Several Indian citizens who had gone for Umrah died in this accident.

The bus carried approximately 40 Indian passengers, most of whom were residents of Telangana. The bus reportedly collided with an oil tanker around 1:30 AM local time.

In a social media post, the Vice President stated that they were deeply saddened by the road accident near Medina, Saudi Arabia.

They said, “My condolences are with the affected families during this difficult time. I express deep sympathy to the grieving families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

The Prime Minister said in a post on social media platform, “Extremely saddened by the accident involving Indian citizens in Medina. My condolences are with the families who have lost their loved ones.”

They said, “I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured.”

The Prime Minister stated that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance, and officials are in close contact with Saudi Arabian authorities.

Footage of the incident broadcast on television channels showed intense flames erupting from the bus and a thick cloud of smoke visible in the air.

The Minister of Minority Affairs said they were “stunned and extremely saddened” by the news of several Indian pilgrims killed in the bus accident on the Medina-Mecca highway in Saudi Arabia.

The Minister said in a post, “My deep condolences to the grieving families.”

Medina

The Medina refers to the historic old city found in many North African towns, most famously in Fez, Morocco, and Tunis, Tunisia. These ancient quarters are typically walled and feature a dense, maze-like layout of narrow streets, bustling souks (markets), mosques, and traditional houses. They date back to the Middle Ages and serve as a living testament to traditional urban Islamic life and architecture.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a modern nation founded in 1932, but its history is deeply rooted as the birthplace of Islam in the 7th century. It is home to the religion’s two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina, and its vast territory was historically a crossroads for ancient trade routes. The country’s contemporary significance is largely defined by its immense reserves of oil, discovered in the 1930s, which transformed it into a leading global economic power.

Telangana

Telangana is a state in southeastern India, formed in 2014 after a prolonged movement for separation from the state of Andhra Pradesh. Its history is deeply rooted in the region ruled by the Golconda Sultanate, a major center for diamond trade, and later the powerful Nizams of Hyderabad, whose princely state existed for over two centuries. The state is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including historic landmarks like the Charminar and Golconda Fort.

Indian Embassy in Riyadh

The Embassy of India in Riyadh serves as the primary diplomatic mission representing India in Saudi Arabia, fostering bilateral relations between the two nations. It was established following India’s independence to manage political, economic, and consular affairs. The embassy plays a crucial role in supporting the large Indian expatriate community in the Kingdom.

Consulate in Jeddah

The Consulate in Jeddah is a diplomatic mission representing a foreign government in the Saudi Arabian port city. Historically, Jeddah has been a critical gateway for pilgrims traveling to Mecca, leading many nations to establish consulates there over the centuries to serve their citizens and facilitate trade. These diplomatic posts have played a significant role in international relations and cultural exchange in the region.

Mecca

Mecca is the holiest city in Islam, located in Saudi Arabia. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, the most sacred shrine in Islam, which Muslims believe was built by Abraham and his son Ishmael. Every year, millions of Muslims perform the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime.

Medina-Mecca highway

The Medina-Mecca highway is a major modern transportation artery in Saudi Arabia that connects the two holiest cities in Islam, Mecca and Medina. It was constructed to facilitate the journey for millions of pilgrims undertaking the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. The highway significantly reduces travel time between the cities, replacing the historic and arduous desert routes used for centuries.