Jeddah: A tragic bus accident involving Indian Umrah pilgrims occurred late Sunday night near Madinah, Saudi Arabia, according to a press release from the Consulate General of India in Jeddah.

In response to the incident, the Consulate has activated a 24x7 Control Room and a series of helpline numbers to assist the pilgrims and their families.

In the statement, the Consulate expressed its "deepest condolences to the bereaved families."

The official helpline contact details are as follows:
1. Toll-free: 8002440003
2. Telephone: 00966122614093, 00966126614276
3. WhatsApp: 00966556122301

Both the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are "extending fullest support" and are in close communication with Saudi authorities, including the Saudi Haj and Umrah Ministry and local officials. The missions are also coordinating with the concerned Umrah tour operators.

A team of Consulate staff and Indian community volunteers has been deployed to the ground to assist at various hospitals and sites.

Officials from the Embassy and Consulate are also in touch with concerned officials from the State of Telangana to coordinate support for the affected families.

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Kavoor: A fishing trip turned tragic after a small boat capsized in the Phalguni river at Kunjathbail in Kavoor on Wednesday morning, leaving one youngster dead and another missing.

The deceased has been identified as Ganesh (28), a resident of Kunjathbail. Another youth, Royal (27), has gone missing after drowning in the river, police said.

According to available information, three friends had gone to the river in a small boat to catch fish. While they were fishing, the boat reportedly lost balance and overturned, throwing all three into the water.

Ganesh and Royal, who did not know swimming, drowned in the river. The third youngster, Nithesh (29), managed to swim to safety and reach the shore.

Following the incident, fire and emergency services personnel along with local divers launched a search operation in the river. By afternoon, Ganesh’s body was recovered. However, Royal remains missing and search operations are still underway, sources said.

A case has been registered at Kavoor police station in connection with the incident.