7 Indians among 28 pilgrims killed in a bus accident

Dubai, Apr 28 (UNI) Seven Indian pilgrims, mostly from Kerala, were killed and two other compatriots were injured when a bus fell into a ditch in Saudi Arabia today that killed a total of 28 people, according to reports here.

The bus was on its way to Madinah from Jeddah when the accident took place, Indian Consul-General Yusaf Sayeed was reported as saying. He expressed fears that the number of Indian casualties might go up.

Among the 38 pilgrims travelling in the bus 16 were Indians who were going to perform Friday prayers at the mosque in Madinah.

The pilgrimage trip was arranged through an un-recognised travel agent, the consulate said.

The accident took place at Raheli on the Jeddah-Madinah highway at around 2300 hrs yesterday.

Among the passengers 13 were Pakistanis, nine Bangladeshis and the nationality of three persons were unknown.

The consulate has set up a helpline for information on the injured: 0556122301 Updated information is also available on its website www.cgijeddah.com The deceased have been identified as: Kasim Chalil Kizhakke Thalappil; Ali Ahamed; Nazeer Ahmad; Vettanthod Unnikoya; Ashraf Kottani Purath; Puthan Veettil Shamas; Sajuddin; Ghazanfar.

The other Indians who were travelling in the bus and whose condition are still to be ascertained were Syed Ahamad; Alam Shamseer; Syednstal Mohammed; Khalillullah Athaulla; Mahmood Adnan; Kunhi Moideen; Mohd Salman Farooqui; Barath Kunnummal; Khaja Najmuddin.

UNI XC PR ND2254