At least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims are feared dead after a bus carrying them from Makkah to Madinah collided with a diesel tanker early Monday, causing a massive fire, media reports said.
Initial reports indicate that many of the victims were women and children from Hyderabad. Unofficial sources suggest that 11 women and 10 children may be among those killed, though authorities are still verifying the figures, reports Gulf News.
In response to the tragedy, the Indian Consulate in Jeddah has set up a 24-hour control room to assist families and concerned parties. The toll-free helpline number is 8002440003.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed deep shock over the incident, saying the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are extending full support to the affected nationals and their families.
He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.