Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ordered the Ministry of External Affairs to send a special team to Saudi Arabia to expedite coordination efforts following the tragic road accident that claimed the lives of 45 Indian pilgrims performing Umrah in Mecca on Monday.
This was reported by Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, who expressed deep grief over the incident and noted that most of the deceased were from Telangana, with many belonging to his Secunderabad parliamentary constituency. In a press statement, Mr Reddy said one survivor was receiving medical treatment, with a team of Saudi medical experts providing the necessary care. Saudi authorities have begun identifying the bodies and issuing death certificates, and a high-level investigation into the accident has been launched.
Mr Reddy said he spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who confirmed the Prime Minister’s instructions to send a special team. He also spoke to Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, who announced that 45 of the 46 pilgrims died when their bus traveling from Mecca to Medina collided with an oil tanker.
The Ministry of External Affairs is in constant touch with all parties concerned and is working closely with the Saudi authorities and the Telangana government to ensure speedy identification of the bodies and facilitate the last rites. In a separate statement, Rajya Sabha MP K. Laxman expressed shock at the tragedy and offered condolences to the bereaved families. He assured that the center provides all necessary assistance.
Published – 17 Nov 2025 20:25 IST
