Hyderabad Pilgrims Feared Dead in Saudi Bus Crash, Only 1 Survives

In a devastating incident early Monday, more than 40 Indian pilgrims lost their lives after a bus traveling from Mecca to Medina collided with a diesel tanker near Mufrihat, Saudi Arabia. The bus, carrying mainly passengers from Hyderabad, Telangana, caught fire following the collision, leaving passengers with little chance to escape. A video circulating online shows massive flames engulfing the vehicle, highlighting the severity of the accident.

AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi confirmed that 42 pilgrims from his constituency were involved, with reports suggesting that only one person may have survived. Owaisi stated that he is in touch with Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, and is coordinating with the travel agencies to confirm the details of the victims. He also requested that the Indian government facilitate the repatriation of the deceased and ensure proper medical care for the injured.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the tragedy and instructed state officials to coordinate closely with embassy authorities in Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of External Affairs, led by S. Jaishankar, also expressed deep sorrow over the accident. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “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.”

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah described the accident as “tragic” and established a 24x7 control room to assist the victims’ families. While official helpline numbers were released to aid relatives, authorities continue efforts to confirm the identities of the deceased and the survivors.

This tragedy has shaken India, especially the Hyderabad community, as many pilgrims had completed their Umrah rituals in Mecca and were en route to Medina when the accident occurred. Early reports indicate that 11 women and 10 children were among the victims. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the Indian Embassy is coordinating closely with local authorities to provide assistance to the injured and support the families of the deceased.

The accident underscores the dangers faced by pilgrims traveling in the region, emphasizing the importance of stringent road safety measures and careful travel arrangements. Social media users have expressed widespread grief and shock at the tragedy, while government authorities are actively working to manage the aftermath.

With investigations underway, both India and Saudi Arabia are collaborating to determine the cause of the collision and ensure that the victims’ families receive timely information and support. This tragic bus fire remains one of the deadliest accidents involving Indian pilgrims in recent years, prompting urgent calls for enhanced safety protocols on pilgrimage routes.