CM Revanth Reddy Expresses Shock as Over 40 Indian Umrah Pilgrims Feared Dead in Saudi Bus Tragedy

Hyderabad, Nov 2025 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has expressed deep shock and anguish over the horrific bus accident in Saudi Arabia involving a group of Indian Umrah pilgrims, including several from Hyderabad. The state government has moved swiftly to gather information, coordinate with central authorities, and extend assistance to the families of those affected.

The tragic accident occurred early Monday morning while the pilgrims were travelling from Mecca to Medina after completing their Umrah rituals. According to preliminary and unconfirmed media reports, at least 42 Indian pilgrims are feared dead after their passenger bus collided with a diesel tanker at a location identified as Mufrihat, around 1:30 a.m. IST. The victims are reported to include women and children, many of whom are believed to be from Hyderabad.

Immediate Response from Telangana Government

Reacting promptly to the news, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy directed Chief Secretary A. Santhi Kumari and the Director General of Police to obtain complete and verified information about the accident. He specifically asked officials to determine how many pilgrims from Telangana were on the bus and to coordinate closely with the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Saudi authorities.

The Chief Secretary subsequently alerted Telangana Resident Commissioner Gaurav Uppal in New Delhi, instructing him to liaise with MEA officials and gather accurate details about the victims. The Telangana government has also established a dedicated control room at the Secretariat in Hyderabad to provide round-the-clock information and support to families.

Telangana Secretariat Control Room Numbers:
📞 +91 79979 59754
📞 +91 99129 19545

Initial reports from Saudi Arabia suggest that the bus was carrying approximately 20 women and 11 children, though officials are still confirming the exact figures. Emergency teams in Saudi Arabia are engaged in rescue operations, and efforts are underway to identify the deceased and assist the survivors.

Central Coordination and Support

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has set up a 24×7 emergency helpline to assist families of the pilgrims involved in the accident. The Consulate announced the details on social media, confirming that teams have been deployed to coordinate with local Saudi authorities.

Consulate General of India, Jeddah – Emergency Helpline:
📞 8002440003 (Toll-Free)
📞 0122614093
📞 0126614276
📱 0556122301 (WhatsApp)

Meanwhile, the Telangana government has activated another control room at Telangana Bhavan in New Delhi, where senior officers are working in direct coordination with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh.

Control Room Contacts – Telangana Bhavan, New Delhi:
• Vandhana, PS to Resident Commissioner & Liaison Head – +91 98719 99044
• Ch. Chakravarthi, Public Relations Officer – +91 99583 22143
• Rakshith Nail, Liaison Officer – +91 96437 23157

High-Level Efforts to Identify Victims

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, Telangana officials have spoken to the Consulate General in Jeddah as well as the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. They have requested full confirmation on whether Telangana residents were among those killed or injured and have sought detailed passenger lists, hospital information, and repatriation procedures.

The state’s Coordination Secretary and Resident Commissioner have been directed to stay in constant touch with MEA officials until a full report is compiled.

Community Leaders Also Actively Engaged

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi stated that he had spoken with the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, who informed him that embassy officials were gathering details and working closely with Saudi authorities. Owaisi also contacted two Hyderabad-based travel agencies that had reportedly arranged travel for some of the pilgrims and shared their passenger data with the Indian Embassy and the Ministry of External Affairs.

Multiple Agencies Working to Verify Casualty Figures

Though initial media reports indicate that over 40 Indian pilgrims may have died in the tragedy, officials have cautioned that the figures are unverified. Formal confirmation will follow once Saudi authorities complete identification procedures and notify the Indian Consulate.

The Telangana State Haj Committee is also attempting to collect passenger information from travel organizers and families in Hyderabad. Committee officials said they are working with the Consulate General in Jeddah to cross-check details.

Government Assures Full Assistance

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has assured families that the state government will extend all necessary support, including coordination for the repatriation of bodies, travel assistance, and continuous information updates through the dedicated control rooms.

With multiple agencies—state, central, and international—working in parallel, efforts are ongoing to establish an accurate casualty count, track the condition of survivors, and assist families awaiting news about their loved ones.