Saudi Arabia Bus Accident: At least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims are feared dead after a bus carrying travellers from Hyderabad collided with a diesel tanker on the Mecca–Madinah highway early Monday. Saudi media reported that the impact triggered a massive fire, leaving the vehicle charred beyond recognition and prompting a large-scale rescue operation along the remote desert stretch.
The victims are believed to be Indian nationals, many from Hyderabad and nearby districts of Telangana. The collision took place around 1:30 am IST near an area known locally as Muhras or Mufrihat, roughly 160 km from Madinah. Officials said most passengers were asleep when the tanker hit the bus, leaving them little time to escape as flames engulfed the vehicle within moments.
Emergency responders described the scene as “beyond recognition.” Locals and rescue teams rushed to the location and attempted to pull survivors from the burning wreckage, but the intensity of the fire made rescue efforts extremely difficult. Only one person is believed to have survived, though details about their condition remain unclear.
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has activated a 24×7 emergency control room to assist families and track developments. In an official communication, the consulate stated that it is coordinating closely with Saudi authorities, hospitals, and emergency responders to gather verified information.
Meanwhile, the Telangana government is in constant contact with Indian diplomats in Riyadh. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has instructed officials in New Delhi and the state’s NRI department to monitor updates and provide assistance to families awaiting confirmation. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also expressed shock, offering condolences and assuring full support from Indian missions in Saudi Arabia.
Deeply shocked at the accident involving Indian nationals in Medinah, Saudi Arabia.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 17, 2025
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…
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said he had spoken with embassy officials, including Deputy Chief of Mission Abu Mathen George. According to him, teams on the ground are collecting detailed reports, coordinating with local hospitals, and verifying the identity of victims.
Saudi officials have not yet released an official casualty figure or confirmed the cause of the accident. Investigators are examining whether driver fatigue, mechanical failure in the tanker, poor visibility, or road conditions contributed to the collision. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, along with the involved travel agency, acknowledged the tragic incident but declined to comment until investigations conclude.
For families in Hyderabad and Telangana, a deeply spiritual journey has turned into an agonizing wait for clarity. As identification of the victims may take time due to the condition of the remains, the tragedy is now counted among the worst road accidents involving Indian pilgrims in the region.