A horrific crash in Saudi Arabia has left at least 45 people feared dead, including 42 Indian nationals, after a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker near Medina in the early hours of Monday morning. Local reports say the bus, travelling from Mecca to Medina, burst into flames after the collision around 1:30 am IST near Mufrihat, leaving most passengers with no chance of escape.
Many of the victims are believed to be from Hyderabad in Telangana, and the group was reportedly returning from Mecca after completing their religious rites. According to Gulf News, several passengers were asleep when the crash occurred, contributing to the high death toll as the bus was engulfed in flames. Rescue teams said the vehicle was completely charred, making identification of bodies extremely difficult. One survivor, Mohd Abdul Shoiab, has been taken to hospital, but his condition remains unclear.
Reports indicate that the deceased include at least 11 women and 10 children, though official confirmation is pending as authorities continue verification.
The Telangana government has activated emergency measures, with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy directing officials to coordinate closely with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. A dedicated control room has been set up in the state secretariat to assist families, and helplines have been issued: +91 79979 59754 and +91 99129 19545. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Jeddah has launched a 24×7 support line with a toll-free number for assistance: 8002440003.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the families who lost loved ones and assuring full support from Indian diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia. “Our officials are in close contact with Saudi authorities,” he said in a post on X.
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi confirmed that 42 Umrah pilgrims were on the bus and said he has been in touch with the Indian Embassy for updates. He emphasized the need for the central government to arrange the return of the bodies and ensure proper medical care for the injured. Reports also suggest that 16 of the victims had travelled through Hyderabad-based Umrah tour agencies.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar echoed the shock and grief shared nationwide, assuring families that Indian missions in Riyadh and Jeddah are providing “fullest support” during the crisis.
The accident, one of the deadliest involving Indian pilgrims in recent years, has cast a pall of grief over families in Telangana and across India as authorities work to confirm identities and repatriate victims.