Horrific Bus-Trailer Collision Near Jizan Claims 15 Lives

At least 15 people have been killed in a horrific road accident near the western city of Jizan in Saudi Arabia, including nine Indian nationals. Various media outlets reported that the accident occurred on Wednesday (January 29).

The Indian Consulate in Jeddah confirmed the accident in a statement. In a statement on the X (formerly Twitter) platform, the consulate said, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of an Indian national in a road accident in the Jizan region. Our heartfelt condolences to their families.”

Local media reports said a bus carrying 26 workers collided with a trailer on its way to the work site. The accident occurred shortly before 6 a.m. local time on Sunday in the Wadi bin Hashbal area of ​​Asir province, south of the holy city of Mecca, said Ahmed Asiri, spokesman for the Saudi Red Crescent.

The dead include nine Indians and six nationals from Nepal and Ghana. At least 11 people injured in the accident have been admitted to hospital. Doctors said the condition of some of the injured is critical. Meanwhile, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his condolences over the accident.

He wrote on Twitter, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in this accident. I have spoken to our Consul General in Jeddah. He is in touch with the affected families and is providing maximum assistance.” Saudi authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.