Saudi Arabia: Nine Indians among 15 killed in Jizan road crash

Dubai: At least 15 people, including nine Indian nationals, were killed in a tragic road accident near Jizan in western Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, according to media reports.

The Indian Consulate in Jeddah confirmed the tragedy, expressing deep condolences to the victims' families.

“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. Our heartfelt condolences to the affected families,” the mission said in a statement on X. It also assured full support to the victims’ families and stated that it was coordinating with local authorities.

The consulate has issued helpline numbers for inquiries.

According to reports, the accident took place when the bus in which 26 workers were on the way to a worksite collided with a trailer.

“The road accident took place just before 6am on Sunday in the Wadi bin Hashbal region of Asir province, located south of the holy city of Mecca,” reported Ahram Online citing Saudi Red Crescent spokesman Ahmed Asiri who was quoted by the official Saudi Press Agency.

Among the deceased was Kapeli Ramesh, 32, from Metpali Mandal in Jagitial district, Telangana, as reported by Munsif Daily and Telangana Today.

The accident also claimed the lives of six other workers from Nepal and Ghana. Several injured passengers have been hospitalized.

Eleven workers, including two from Telangana, sustained moderate to serious injuries and were being treated at hospitals.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed his condolences, stating he was “grieved” by the loss of lives in the accident.

"Spoke with our Consul General in Jeddah, who is in touch with the concerned families. He is extending fullest support in this tragic situation," he said in a post on X.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the collision.