A horrific road tragedy near Madinah in Saudi Arabia has left India and the global Umrah community in deep shock. At least 45 people are feared to have died after a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker near Mufrihat, close to Madinah, in the early hours of Monday. Of the victims, around 42 are reportedly Indian nationals, most of them belonging to Hyderabad in Telangana, according to multiple local media reports in Saudi Arabia.

The fatal crash occurred at approximately 1:30 am IST, when the bus was travelling from Mecca to Madinah after the group had completed their Umrah rituals. What began as a return journey filled with devotion and prayer ended in unimaginable devastation when the bus collided with a diesel tanker, triggering a massive fire that consumed the entire vehicle within minutes.

Passengers Were Asleep When the Accident Happened

According to preliminary accounts from Gulf News and Khaleej Times, many passengers were believed to be asleep at the time of the crash. This left them with almost no chance of escape, especially since the collision was instantly followed by a powerful fireball caused by the diesel tanker.

Reports also indicate that at least 11 women and 10 children were among the victims, though Saudi authorities are still cross-checking the exact numbers. The intensity of the blaze was so severe that the bus was completely charred, making identification of the deceased extremely difficult.

Amid the grim tragedy, one survivor has been confirmed. Identified as Mohd Abdul Shoiab, he has been admitted to a hospital in Saudi Arabia. Details about his medical condition have not yet been released.

Indian and Saudi Authorities Launch Rescue, Verification Work

Local rescue teams reportedly took hours to bring the fire under control due to the magnitude of the flames. As the process of identifying victims continues, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah have deployed teams to assist affected families.

The accident site is nearly 160 km from Madinah, adding to the logistical challenges for emergency response units and diplomats coordinating relief operations.

Telangana Government Sets Up Control Room, Coordinates With Centre

Given that a majority of the deceased are believed to be from Hyderabad, the Telangana government has moved into immediate action. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed senior officials to work closely with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh for timely updates and assistance.

A control room has been set up at the Telangana State Secretariat, and officials have been instructed to gather accurate information about the victims, including those belonging specifically to the state. The Resident Commissioner’s office in New Delhi has also been alerted to coordinate with central authorities.

In view of a tragic bus accident near Madina, Saudi Arabia, involving Indian Umrah pilgirms, a 24x7 Control Room has been set up in Consulate General of India, Jeddah.

The contact details of the Helpline are as under:

8002440003 (Toll free)
0122614093
0126614276
0556122301…— India in Jeddah (@CGIJeddah) November 17, 2025

The Telangana government has shared two helpline numbers for families seeking information:

• +91 7997959754

• +91 9912919545

State IT minister D. Sridhar Babu added that initial inputs suggest at least 16 victims were from Hyderabad, particularly from the Bazarghat area of Mallepalli, though verification is still underway.

Indian Embassy in Jeddah Sets Up 24×7 Control Room

To support distressed families and streamline communication, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah has activated a round-the-clock control room, urging families to reach out for assistance.

Helpline Numbers Issued by Indian Consulate in Jeddah

• 8002440003 (Toll Free)

• 0122614093

• 0126614276

• 0556122301 (WhatsApp)

The embassy emphasised that every possible measure is being taken to confirm identities, assist survivors, and facilitate communication between families and authorities.

PM Modi, Foreign Minister Jaishankar Express Condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling it a heartbreaking incident involving Indian nationals far from home.

In his message on X, the Prime Minister wrote:
"Deeply saddened by the accident in Medinah involving Indian nationals. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with Saudi Arabian authorities."

External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, writing on X:
"Deeply shocked at the accident involving Indian nationals in Medinah, Saudi Arabia. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are giving fullest support to Indian nationals and families affected by this accident. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Pray for the speedy recovery of those injured."

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi Seeks Immediate Central Intervention

AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi expressed anguish over the tragedy, revealing that 42 Umrah pilgrims were on the bus when it caught fire. He stated that he has been in touch with Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, who confirmed that information was being gathered urgently.

Owaisi also said he had contacted two Hyderabad-based travel agencies, Al-Meena Hajj and Umrah Travels and Al Meena & Al Mecca Travels, Nampally, through which many of the pilgrims had booked their journey. He shared passenger details with the Riyadh Embassy and the Foreign Secretary to expedite the verification process.

Appealing to the Centre, he said: "I request the Union Government, especially EAM Dr S. Jaishankar, to bring the bodies back to India and, if anyone is injured, ensure that they receive proper medical treatment."

Deeply saddened by the accident in Medinah involving Indian nationals. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance. Our…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 17, 2025

Bus Was Carrying 43–46 Passengers: Conflicting Initial Numbers

While earlier reports stated that the bus was carrying 43 passengers, the Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar later said:
“A total of 46 people were travelling in the bus; one survivor is under treatment. More details are awaited.”

This discrepancy often occurs in large-scale tragedies abroad and will be resolved once official Saudi reports are released.

Families Await Confirmation as Identification Remains Difficult

One of the most devastating impacts of the tragedy is the intense fire that engulfed the vehicle, leaving the bus burnt beyond recognition. According to rescue officials, this has made the process of identifying bodies extremely challenging.

For many families, especially those in Hyderabad, the wait for official confirmation has become painful and emotionally draining. With both Indian and Saudi authorities working around the clock to verify identities, more accurate information is expected to be released soon.

Hon’ble CM Revanth Reddy Expresses Shock Over Saudi Bus Tragedy; Sets Up Control Room for Assistance

Chief Minister Shri A. @revanth_anumula expressed deep shock over the tragic bus accident involving Indian pilgrims travelling from Mecca to Madina in Saudi Arabia. Initial… pic.twitter.com/ILT7Xy1o44— IPRDepartment (@IPRTelangana) November 17, 2025

Group Had Left Hyderabad on November 9

Relatives of the deceased said the group had departed from Hyderabad on November 9 for their Umrah pilgrimage. After completing their prayers in Mecca, they were returning to Madinah when the accident occurred. Several members of the group were travelling through Hyderabad-based agencies, making this incident particularly distressing for the local community.

Cause of the Accident Yet to Be Officially Determined

Saudi authorities are expected to issue a detailed report soon, but early accounts indicate that the collision with a diesel tanker may have triggered an immediate explosion. Whether poor visibility, speeding, or mechanical failure contributed to the accident remains unclear.

More details are awaited from the Saudi investigation teams.

Nation Mourns the Loss of Lives in One of the Worst Recent Umrah-Related Tragedies

The tragedy near Madinah is one of the most devastating accidents involving Indian Umrah pilgrims in recent years. The incident has sparked widespread grief across Telangana and other parts of India, where families are anxiously waiting for official confirmation and the return of the bodies.

With the Indian government, state authorities, and Saudi officials working jointly on relief efforts, further updates are expected in the coming hours.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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