Mecca–Medina bus tragedy: 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims charred to death after collision with diesel tanker

Hyderabad/Medina : In a horrific road tragedy in Saudi Arabia, at least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims were killed after the bus they were travelling in from Mecca to Medina collided with a diesel tanker and caught fire early on Monday. The accident occurred around 1.30 am IST in the Mufrihat region, according to preliminary reports.

Officials said the bus was ferrying pilgrims—mostly from Hyderabad—including around 20 women and 11 children, when it rammed into the tanker and burst into flames within moments, trapping most passengers inside. All 42 victims are believed to have been burnt alive.

Only one passenger, identified as 25-year-old Abdul Shuhaib Mohammed, survived the crash. Investigators suggest that most passengers were asleep at the time, resulting in the high fatality count.

Saudi emergency teams launched swift rescue operations, and the country’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah along with travel authorities have confirmed the incident. Meanwhile, Indian agencies and the involved travel operators are coordinating procedures related to identification, documentation and repatriation.

Telangana CM expresses shock:

All deceased passengers are reported to be residents of Hyderabad. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock and has directed the Chief Secretary and DGP to immediately gather complete data on the victims.

The CM has instructed officials to coordinate with the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to initiate relief measures without delay. Following his directive, Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao held discussions with Delhi-based coordination officer Gaurav Uppal, and a control room has been set up to assist families.

Control room numbers:
+91 79979 59754
+91 99129 19545

Owaisi conveys condolences:

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi condoled the deaths and said he had contacted two travel agencies involved in arranging visas and travel. He also spoke to Indian Embassy officer Abu Matheen George in Riyadh, who confirmed that local officials were compiling details.

Owaisi urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to ensure the bodies are brought back to India at the earliest and that the injured receive proper treatment.

Union ministers react

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju termed the incident “deeply distressing” and confirmed that the Indian Embassy was collecting all details and providing all possible assistance.

The following Saudi emergency helpline numbers have been activated for assistance:

Saudi helpline numbers:
8002440003 (Toll-free)
0122614093
0126614276
0556122301 (WhatsApp)

Indian Embassy opens 24×7 control room:

The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has opened a 24×7 emergency control room for families of the victims.
Helpline: 8002440003

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also expressed shock, stating that both the Riyadh Embassy and Jeddah Consulate were extending full support to affected families. He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished speedy recovery for the injured.

Authorities in Saudi Arabia are still verifying the final death toll and the identities of the victims, as investigations into the cause of the devastating crash continue.

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