Around 40 Indian pilgrims were killed today in a road accident involving the bus carrying them and a fuel tanker between the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia.

The international press reports, quoting the Indian authorities, that most of the 46 victims traveling in the vehicle are from the southern state of Telangana, Indian state official Gaurav Uppal told the US news agency AP.

The Saudi authorities, who have been questioned about what happened, have yet to respond or provide any further information.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Foreign Minister have already expressed their condolences to the families of the victims, as has Telangana's elected representative Revanth Reddy.