The consulate has established a 24×7 control room and shared the following helpline numbers for relatives needing assistance.

Medina Bus Tragedy: PM Modi Offers Condolences; Indian Mission Activates 24×7 Helpline

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the tragic bus accident near Medina, Saudi Arabia. This tragedy claimed the lives of several Indian Umrah pilgrims. In an official statement shared through his social media handle, the Prime Minister said he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of lives and assured that Indian authorities were in constant touch with Saudi officials to provide every possible assistance to those affected.

According to the Consulate General of India in Jeddah, a dedicated emergency response system has been activated to support families seeking information. The consulate has established a 24×7 control room and shared the following helpline numbers for relatives needing assistance: 8002440003 (toll-free), +966-12-2614093, +966-12-6614276, and 0556122301 (WhatsApp). Officials said their teams were coordinating with Saudi Hajj and Umrah authorities, local police, and hospitals to verify identities, assist survivors, and collect accurate casualty details.

Preliminary reports from Indian and Saudi authorities indicate that the passenger bus, which was travelling from Mecca to Medina, collided with a fuel tanker. The impact led to a massive fire, causing multiple fatalities. Several Indian media outlets have reported that many of the passengers were pilgrims from Telangana, though officials have stressed that the identification process is still underway and final confirmation will take time.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed shock over the incident, noting that both the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Jeddah consulate were providing “full support” to affected families. In India, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has instructed state authorities to work closely with central agencies and the Indian mission to assist relatives of the victims.

Authorities in both countries continue to verify casualty figures, provide medical treatment to survivors, and complete formalities related to repatriation. Officials have urged families to rely on the official helpline numbers and mission updates for accurate information.