Tehran, Nov 18 (IANS): Iran has expressed deep condolences to India following the tragic death of several Indian Umrah pilgrims in a bus accident near Medina, Saudi Arabia. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei conveyed sympathy to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. Sharing his statement on X, the Iranian Embassy in India affirmed Iran’s solidarity with the people and Government of India during this difficult time.
The accident claimed the lives of 45 pilgrims from Hyderabad when their bus caught fire after a collision with an oil tanker. According to Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar, only one passenger, Mohammed Abdul Shoaib, survived and is receiving treatment. The group of 54 pilgrims had travelled to Jeddah on November 9 and were returning after performing Umrah in Mecca.
Officials confirmed that the victims included 17 men, 18 women, and 10 children, mostly from localities such as Asif Nagar, Jhirra, Mehdipatnam, and Toli Chowki. In response, the Telangana government opened a control room at Haj House to assist families. Meanwhile, the Indian Consulate in Jeddah set up a 24/7 helpline and deployed teams, in coordination with Saudi authorities and Umrah operators, to support rescue and identification efforts.
The Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate continue to extend full assistance while maintaining close communication with Telangana officials and the affected families.
