India (Commonwealth Union)_ A terrible road accident in Saudi Arabia early Monday killed 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims, turning a peaceful spiritual visit into a devastating nightmare. According to initial reports, a bus transporting pilgrims from Mecca to Medina collided with a diesel tanker near the Mufrihat neighborhood, igniting a major fire that left rescue teams scrambling to reach passengers in time. At least 42 people including children are presumed dead, many of whom are believed to be from Hyderabad. Unofficial sources have indicated that women and children make up a large portion of the victims, and authorities are still working to confirm the exact figures. The crash occurred about 1:30 am IST, when most passengers were allegedly asleep. The impact was so severe that the bus burst into flames almost immediately, giving passengers little opportunity to flee.
The rescue team described the situation as dismal, with the burned remains of the bus making identification nearly impossible. One survivor is said to have been rescued from the wreckage, though officials have not confirmed their condition. Shortly after the accident, emergency services, police, and Saudi Civil Defence officers arrived, together with Indian officials and Umrah agency representatives, to help with the relief efforts. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are collaborating with Saudi officials to get precise information and support the families of those on board. A 24-hour control room has been set up by the Consulate, which has also deployed staff members and community volunteers to hospitals where the injured and deceased have been taken. The mission has shared helpline numbers for families seeking updates, including a toll-free support line.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the horrific accident in Medina, Saudi Arabia. He said he was deeply saddened by the tragic accident in Medina that claimed the lives of Indian nationals. He noted that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are closely following the situation and are extending every possible support to those affected. “Deeply saddened by the accident in Medinah involving Indian nationals. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured. Our embassy in Riyadh and consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with Saudi Arabian authorities,” he said in a post on X.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed deep shock at the tragedy and assured that Indian officials in Saudi Arabia are providing all possible assistance. He offered condolences to the bereaved families and wished a swift recovery for the injured. Other leaders, including Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, also voiced their grief and said the government was working to gather full details while extending support to those affected. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy directed senior state officials to immediately obtain information about the victims and determine how many passengers from Telangana were on the bus. The state government has also opened a control room in Hyderabad and issued helpline numbers for families searching for updates.
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Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said he had contacted travel agencies linked to the pilgrims and shared their details with Indian authorities in Riyadh. He urged the central government to arrange for the bodies to be brought home as soon as possible and ensure proper medical care for any survivors. Back in Hyderabad, pilgrim families have been calling authorities, travel providers, and community groups in hopes of receiving confirmed information about their loved ones. For many families, the wait has been filled with worry and uncertainty as the disaster’s scope grows.
Officials say that the identification process may take time because the fire destroyed most of the bus, leaving authorities dependent on hospital records and assistance from relatives. Indian diplomats are expected to release a full list of victims once verification is complete, and further announcements are likely in the coming hours. Authorities in Saudi Arabia have begun a detailed probe into the cause of the crash, including whether the tanker involved faced any mechanical issues. Local officials say early findings will be shared with Indian authorities to ensure families receive transparent information.
Volunteers are also assisting with the collection of personal things and paperwork that could be used to identify the deceased. The tragedy has cast a shadow over the pilgrim community, especially those who were planning to travel for Umrah in the coming weeks. Many politicians have expressed sympathy for the dead families and advocated for stricter safety precautions for vehicles transporting pilgrims across long desert routes. For now, officials in both countries remain focused on identifying the victims, supporting survivors, and ensuring that families receive timely updates during what has become an unimaginably painful time. Authorities say updates will follow soon.
