At least 42 Indian nationals, most of them from Telangana, died after a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker and caught fire near Medina, Saudi Arabia, early Monday. The incident occurred around 1:30 am IST at Mufrihat, about 160 km from Medina. Visuals from the site showed the vehicle engulfed in flames, with fire and rescue teams rushing to the spot.
Reports indicate that many passengers were asleep at the time of the crash, giving them little chance to escape as the bus was quickly consumed by fire. Only one person, identified as Mohd Abdul Shoiab, is known to have survived. His medical condition remains unclear.
Majority of Victims From Hyderabad
Most of the deceased hailed from Hyderabad, with preliminary data suggesting that at least 16 were from the Bazarghat area in Mallepalli. Telangana IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu said efforts were underway to confirm the identities of the victims. The group had departed from Hyderabad on November 9 and had completed their Umrah rituals in Mecca before heading to Medina when tragedy struck.
Two local travel agencies, Al Meena and Al Mecca Travels, had arranged the pilgrimage. Representatives from these agencies said the bus was carrying 20 women and 11 children among others, many of whom are feared dead.
According to a representative of Al Meena Travel Agency at Bazarghat, as many as 20 passengers had left for Saudi on November 9. “After the prayers at Mecca, 16 of them were returning to Madinah in the bus. Their whereabouts are not known and we are trying to get confirmation about their death,” he said.
India Sets Up Emergency Helplines
The Indian Consulate in Jeddah established a 24×7 control room (toll-free: 8002440003) for families seeking updates. The Telangana government also opened helplines at +91 79979 59754 and +91 99129 19545, and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy directed officials to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh.
The Indian Embassy in Jeddah announced a helpline number for families of those affected by the accident.
In a post on X, the mission said, “In view of a tragic bus accident near Madina, Saudi Arabia, involving Indian Umrah pilgrims, a 24×7 Control Room has been set up in Consulate General of India, Jeddah. The contact details of the Helpline are as under: Toll free number- 8002440003.”
Leaders Express Condolences
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed deep grief over the tragedy, assuring full support to affected families. Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said he was in touch with embassy officials and urged the Centre to ensure the swift repatriation of bodies and medical care for the injured.
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…
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 17, 2025
“Deeply shocked at the accident involving Indian nationals in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are giving the 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,” he wrote on X.
Meanwhile, anxious relatives in Hyderabad are awaiting official confirmation as Saudi authorities work to identify the charred remains.
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