9 Indians killed in road accident in Saudi Arabia; EAM condoles deaths

Jeddah: In a tragic road accident near Jizan, Saudi Arabia, 15 people, including nine Indian nationals, lost their lives when a bus carrying workers collided with a trailer. The accident occurred early Sunday morning in the Wadi bin Hashbal region of Asir province, south of Mecca.

According to reports, the bus was transporting 26 workers to a worksite when the crash took place. Saudi Red Crescent spokesman Ahmed Asiri, quoted by the official Saudi Press Agency, confirmed the incident.

The Indian Consulate in Jeddah expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Indian lives and assured full support to the victims’ families. In a statement, the consulate said, “We deeply mourn the tragic loss of nine Indian nationals in a road accident near Jizan in the Western Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” The statement further assured that the consulate is in touch with both local authorities and the affected families while also wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also expressed his condolences, stating that he had spoken to India’s Consul General in Jeddah regarding the matter. He confirmed that full assistance is being extended to the affected families. “Grieved to learn of this accident and the loss of lives,” he said, adding that the Indian mission is actively supporting those impacted.

The Indian Consulate in Jeddah, which covers cities including Makkah, Madinah, Yanbu, Taif, and Jizan, continues to coordinate with Saudi authorities for necessary arrangements. Further investigations into the cause of the crash are underway.

Helpline numbers have been issued for those seeking assistance:

8002440003 (Toll-free)

0122614093 | 0126614276

0556122301 (WhatsApp)

With IANS inputs