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Saudi Bus Tragedy: Iran Offers Condolences to India Over Pilgrim Deaths

A tragic bus accident involving Indian Umrah pilgrims has occurred near Madina in Saudi Arabia. The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi has expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to India. Indian authorities have set up emergency helplines and are coordinating with Saudi officials. Rescue operations are currently underway at the accident site.

Key Points: Iran Condoles India Over Saudi Arabia Pilgrim Bus Accident

  • Bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims collided with diesel tanker near Madina early Monday
  • Most pilgrims believed to be from Hyderabad according to preliminary reports
  • Indian Consulate in Jeddah establishes 24/7 control room with helpline numbers
  • Rescue operations ongoing with local residents assisting severely injured victims
3 min read

Iran offers condolences to India over death of Indian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia bus accident

Iranian Embassy expresses sorrow over Indian Umrah pilgrims killed in Saudi bus-tanker collision near Madina. India sets up emergency helpline for affected families.

"The Embassy expresses its deep sorrow over the tragic loss of Indian pilgrims in Madinah and extends its heartfelt condolences - Iranian Embassy in New Delhi"

New Delhi/Tehran, Nov 17

The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi on Monday expressed deep sorrow over death of Indian pilgrims in a bus accident in Saudi Arabia's Madina, extending condolences to the people of India.

A passenger bus carrying several Indian Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker early Monday morning near Madina, the Indian mission in Jeddah confirmed.

In a statement shared on X, Iran Embassy in India stated, "The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi expresses its deep sorrow over the tragic loss of Indian pilgrims in Madinah and extends its heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of the Republic of India. The Embassy conveys its sincere sympathy to the bereaved families, praying to the Almighty for eternal peace and mercy for the deceased and patience and strength for their loved ones."

In the wake of the accident, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah has set up a 24/7 control room and released helpline numbers for those seeking assistance.

"In view of a tragic bus accident near Madina, Saudi Arabia, involving Indian Umrah pilgrims, a 24x7 Control Room has been set up in Consulate General of India, Jeddah," the Consulate posted on X.

In a statement shared on X, Consulate General of India in Jeddah stated, "We express our deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are also in touch with Saudi Haj and Umrah Ministry, and other local authorities. They are also in touch with the concerned Umrah operators. A team of Consulate staff and Indian community volunteers is on the ground at various hospitals and sites. Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are extending fullest support. Officials of the Embassy and the Consulate are also in touch with the concerned officials of the State of Telangana to coordinate with the concerned families."

Preliminary unconfirmed media reports indicate that most of the pilgrims are from Hyderabad. Given the intensity of the explosion caused by the collision, casualties are feared.

According to unconfirmed media reports, the bus was travelling from Mecca to Madina, with pilgrims heading to the holy city after completing their rituals in Mecca. All passengers were reportedly asleep when the crash occurred.

Rescue operations are underway, and local residents have rushed to the scene to assist those severely injured. The exact number of casualties has not yet been officially confirmed.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Appreciate the swift response from our consulate in Jeddah setting up the 24/7 control room. This is exactly what we need during such crises. Hope the injured get proper medical care.
M
Michael C
The Iranian Embassy's gesture of condolence shows good diplomatic relations. In times of tragedy, such expressions of solidarity matter. Hope the Saudi authorities conduct a thorough investigation into the accident.
A
Arjun K
Most victims seem to be from Hyderabad. As someone from Telangana, this hits close to home. The state government should provide immediate assistance to the affected families. Safety standards for pilgrimage tours need to be stricter.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the government's response, I wish there was more proactive safety regulation for these Umrah tour operators. Many cut corners on vehicle maintenance and driver training. This tragedy could have been prevented with better oversight.
K
Kavya N
Om Shanti 🙏 My heart goes out to all the families. The thought that they were asleep when it happened is so tragic. Hope the rescue operations are successful and the injured recover soon.

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