Hyderabad Family Rush to Travel Office After Saudi Bus Tragedy

Hyderabad, Nov 17, 2025: A tragic road accident in Saudi Arabia has left at least 42 Indian pilgrims dead, most of them from Hyderabad, after a bus traveling from Mecca to Medina collided with a diesel tanker and caught fire near Mufrihat early Monday. The devastating incident has sparked grief and panic among families and prompted immediate action from Indian authorities.

According to preliminary reports, the bus was en route from Mecca to Medina when it collided with the tanker around 1:30 am IST. Many passengers were reportedly asleep at the time, leaving them little chance to escape as flames engulfed the vehicle. Among the victims were women and children, though authorities are still verifying the exact numbers. Early accounts suggest that only one person survived the accident.

News of the crash quickly reached Hyderabad, where distressed relatives rushed to the offices of Al Makkah Tours and Travels, one of the agencies through which the pilgrims had traveled. Family members expressed shock and sought government assistance to travel to Saudi Arabia and support those affected. “Seven members of my family were on the bus. We were informed about the accident this morning, and it is heartbreaking,” said one relative.

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah described the incident as a "tragic" bus accident and has set up a 24x7 control room to assist the families of victims. Officials are coordinating with Saudi authorities, the Haj and Umrah Ministry, and the concerned travel agencies to ensure identification, medical care, and repatriation of the deceased. The Consulate, along with community volunteers, has mobilized teams on the ground at hospitals and sites near Medina.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, currently in Russia, expressed deep shock over the accident. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he stated, “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.”

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also conveyed his grief and instructed state officials to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy. A control room has been established at the Telangana Secretariat to provide ongoing updates to families and monitor relief measures.

Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi confirmed that he is in touch with Indian mission officials in Riyadh. “They are gathering information about the matter. I also contacted the two Hyderabad-based travel agencies and shared passengers' details with the Embassy and the Foreign Secretary,” he said. Owaisi urged the government to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and facilitate the repatriation of the bodies.

The bus accident has cast a spotlight on the vulnerabilities pilgrims face while traveling abroad, particularly during high-traffic routes between holy cities like Mecca and Medina. This tragedy has not only caused immense personal loss but has also raised urgent questions about travel safety measures and emergency preparedness for Indian nationals abroad.

Authorities in Saudi Arabia and India are continuing their investigation and relief efforts, with a focus on providing immediate assistance to victims’ families and ensuring accountability in travel operations. As the news spreads across social media, the incident has sparked a wave of condolences, prayers, and calls for stronger safety protocols for pilgrims traveling overseas.