Dubai: Six Indonesian citizens were killed and 14 others injured in a tragic bus accident during an Umrah pilgrimage on the highway between Medina and Mecca in Saudi Arabia, Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Friday.
The accident occurred on Thursday, March 20, in Wadi Al Aqeeq, approximately 150 km north of Jeddah, according to Judha Nugraha, Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens and Legal Entities (PWNI & BHI) at the ministry.
The Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah (KJRI) received the report at 1:30 p.m. local time.
“The total number of Indonesian nationals involved in the accident is 20, with six fatalities and the remainder sustaining injuries,” Nugraha said in a statement.
Preliminary reports indicate the bus overturned and caught fire after a collision, though further investigation is ongoing.
The vehicle was carrying Umrah pilgrims and their entourage at the time of the incident.
In response, the Indonesian Consulate General immediately dispatched a citizen protection team to the site and coordinated with Saudi authorities and other relevant parties to identify the victims and facilitate necessary assistance.
Officials have reached out to local hospitals, Umrah tour guides, the Ministry of Hajj, Umrah service staff, and the bus company to verify the condition of the victims and offer support.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also coordinating with Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Umrah travel agency involved to obtain comprehensive data on the victims and contact their families.
“We have notified the families of the victims in Indonesia and will continue to assist those injured in Saudi Arabia throughout their recovery,” Nugraha added.
Source: Gulf News
