VOI World/ Desk
A high-level Indian delegation led by the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Justice S. Abdul Nazeer, arrived in Saudi Arabia to coordinate relief measures following the death of multiple Indian pilgrims in a bus crash near Medina. The delegation, sanctioned by the Ministry of External Affairs, is working with Saudi authorities to ensure full support for the victims’ families.
The crash involved a bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims that collided with a diesel tanker, resulting in at least 45 deaths and one survivor. Most victims were from Telangana and had completed their pilgrimage before the accident occurred.
Indian officials have emphasized that embassy and consulate teams in Riyadh and Jeddah are offering all possible assistance, while state authorities in India are setting up helplines and support centres for families back home. The delegation’s mission includes coordinating transport of remains, facilitating documentation and pushing for expedited local cooperation.
The incident highlights growing concerns over the safety of overseas pilgrimage travel for Indian nationals and underscores the importance of stronger bilateral arrangements with Saudi Arabia regarding emergency response and infrastructure oversight.
