New Delhi

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has set up a 24x7 Control Room in the Consulate General of India, Jeddah, in light of a tragic bus accident late last night involving Umrah pilgrims, near Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

According to the MEA release, the Helpline numbers are: 8002440003 (Toll-free), 00966122614093, 00966126614276, 00966556122301 (WhatsApp).

The Ministry expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved families.

The Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are also in touch with the Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministry and other local authorities. They are also in touch with the concerned Umrah operators.

A team of Consulate staff and Indian community volunteers is on the ground at various hospitals and sites.

The Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are extending the fullest support. Officials of the Embassy and the Consulate are also in touch with the concerned officials of the State of Telangana to coordinate with the concerned families.

According to the latest information,  at least 45 people, most of them from Hyderabad, were killed in a bus accident in Saudi Arabia, the city police chief said on Monday.

Addressing reporters here, Hyderabad police commissioner VC Sajjanar said a total of 54 people travelled to Jeddah from here on November 9. They were scheduled to return on November 23.

Of the 54, four people travelled separately by car to Madina on Sunday, while another four stayed back in Mecca.

According to the official, 46 people were travelling in the ill-fated bus, which collided with an oil tanker about 25 km from Madina.

Only one person survived the accident and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.

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"We are getting information that 45 people died. They were supposed to return to Hyderabad on 23rd (of November)," he added.