Deadly Bus Crash Near Madina Killed 42 Umrah Pilgrims, Many Indians

A tragic accident in Saudi Arabia claimed at least 42 lives early Monday when a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker near Mufrihat, close to Medina. Many of the victims were Indian nationals from Hyderabad, Telangana, local reports confirmed. The incident has cast a shadow over the pilgrim community, prompting swift action from Indian and Saudi authorities.

The bus, which was traveling from Mecca to Medina, crashed at around 1:30 am IST, according to Saudi media. Passengers had just completed their Umrah rituals and were en route to the holy city of Medina for the next leg of their spiritual journey.

Bus Engulfed in Flames Within Minutes

As per a Gulf News report, many pilgrims were asleep when the collision occurred, leaving them little chance to escape. The impact ignited a massive fire, turning the bus into a charred shell within minutes.

Rescue teams rushed to the scene but reported difficulties in identifying victims because the vehicle was completely burnt. Early reports indicate that 11 women and 10 children were among those killed, though officials are still confirming exact figures.

One passenger, Mohd Abdul Shoiab, was reportedly rescued and taken to a local hospital, but his current condition remains unknown.

Most Victims From Telangana

Several of the deceased had booked their pilgrimage through two Hyderabad-based agencies—Al-Meena Hajj and Umrah Travels. Their families were left in shock as details of the accident emerged.

The Telangana government responded quickly, saying it is in close contact with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has instructed state officials to coordinate with embassy authorities and gather accurate details about the victims. A control room has been set up at the Telangana Secretariat to assist families.

Indian Embassy Supports Families

The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has activated a 24x7 emergency control room to provide assistance to families and coordinate with Saudi authorities to identify victims, support survivors, and ensure the safe return of remains to India.

Leaders React as Grief Spreads

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi confirmed that all 42 pilgrims on the bus were Indian nationals. He said he is in touch with Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission in Riyadh, who assured him that detailed information is being gathered. Owaisi appealed to the central government to bring back the bodies promptly and ensure the injured receive urgent medical care.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed deep shock, writing on X:
"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."

A Devastating Blow for Families Awaiting Pilgrims’ Return

What was meant to be a sacred spiritual journey ended in unimaginable loss. Families across Hyderabad and other parts of India now await updates as authorities work to verify identities and arrange repatriation. The investigation into how the collision occurred is ongoing, but the scale of the tragedy has already sparked grief across communities in India and abroad.