Nine Indian workers die in Saudi road accident

A ROAD accident in Saudi Arabia claimed the lives of 15 workers, including nine Indian nationals.

The accident happened on Monday (27) when the workers were going to their worksite in Jizan.

The van carrying 26 workers collided head-on with a trailer truck.

Among the deceased Indians, two people have been identified - Vishnu Prasad Pillai (31) from Kerala and Kapeli Ramesh from Telangana.

Pillai hails from Kollam district in Kerala, while Ramesh belongs to Jagtial district in Telangana.

Indian community representatives and diplomats in Saudi Arabia are assisting in the repatriation of the deceased.

Three workers each from Nepal and Ghana also died in the accident.

The injured are undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital.

The Indian mission in Jeddah said on Wednesday (29) said it is providing full support and is in touch with the authorities and 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," the Indian consulate said on X.

"Our heartfelt condolences to the families affected. The Consulate General of India in Jeddah is providing full support and is in touch with the authorities and families. We also wish a speedy recovery to the injured. A dedicated helpline has been set up for further queries," it said.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar said he was "grieved" to learn about the accident and the loss of lives.

"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.