JEDDAH, 2 June 2004 — The Indian expatriate community in Makkah are planning to establish an international school in the city as quickly as possible. The move follows a bus accident earlier this month that killed seven Indian students and a teacher while they were traveling to their school in Jeddah.
“The school bus accident and death of seven girls and a teacher made the Indian community in Makkah think seriously of having a school there,” said the 15-member action committee.
The committee was set up by Indian community members during a meeting, chaired by Dr. Syed Burhanuddin, to conduct a feasibility study on the project and approach the authorities to realize their dream.
The bus, a 2000 Toyota model, began its journey in Makkah with two teachers and 22 girls. Halfway along the Makkah Expressway, it swerved to the right and hit one of the concrete pillars supporting a hoarding. The right side of the bus was mangled beyond recognition in the crash.
Fifteen other girls and a teacher were also injured in the accident.
The committee will meet with the authorities within a week to press their demand.