Saudi Arabia bus crash: 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims dead, 1 survived

On the Saudi Arabia bus accident involving Indian pilgrims, Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar stated, “Forty-five people have died, and there is only one survivor, who is currently in hospital.”

Following the bus tragedy in Saudi Arabia, Indian community volunteers have been active at hospitals, providing support to those affected. The Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah confirmed that they are coordinating with the Saudi Haj and Umrah Ministry, local authorities, and the relevant Umrah operators. Officials also said they are working closely with the Telangana government to assist the families of the victims.

Dozens of distressed relatives gathered at a Hyderabad travel agency after learning about a road accident in Saudi Arabia involving Indian citizens.

NDTV reported that over 40 people, mostly from Hyderabad, died when a bus carrying pilgrims from Mecca to Medina caught fire after colliding with a diesel tanker near Mufrihat early Monday.

The Congress party expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident near Medinah, Saudi Arabia, which claimed the lives of several Indian nationals. Extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the party affirmed its solidarity with them during this difficult time. It also urged the Government of India to provide all necessary assistance to those affected and offered prayers for the speedy and full recovery of the injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply saddened” by the tragic bus accident involving Indian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. He extended his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and confirmed that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance.

The Prime Minister also stated that Indian officials are in close contact with Saudi authorities and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident.

A control room has been established at Telangana Bhavan, New Delhi, following the tragic bus accident in Saudi Arabia. Senior officials at Telangana Bhavan are in constant contact with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh to gather accurate information about the incident. Efforts are ongoing to verify the full details of the crash and confirm how many pilgrims from Telangana were affected.

Telangana Bhavan control room contact numbers:

• Smt. Vandhana, PS to Resident Commissioner & Liaison Head: +91 98719 99044

• Sri Ch. Chakravarthi, Public Relations Officer: +91 99583 22143

• Sri Rakshith Nail, Liaison Officer: +91 96437 23157

Following the accident, the Consulate of India in Jeddah set up a round-the-clock control room. Families can reach the helpline on the toll-free number 8002440003.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said he was deeply shocked by the tragedy. He confirmed that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are providing full support to affected nationals and their families. He also extended condolences to the bereaved and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The Telangana government said it is coordinating closely with Indian officials in Riyadh. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has instructed authorities in New Delhi to work with embassy teams and gather complete details.

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said 42 Umrah pilgrims were on the bus when it caught fire. He added that he is in touch with Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, who assured him that information from the site is being compiled. Owaisi urged the central government to repatriate the bodies and ensure proper medical care for survivors.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the incident, noting that several victims may be from Hyderabad. He instructed the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to gather full information and coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy. He also stressed the need for immediate relief measures where necessary.

A control room has been established at the Telangana Secretariat for assistance.

Helpline numbers: +91 79979 59754, +91 99129 19545

In Hyderabad, families of the pilgrims are anxiously awaiting information, reaching out to travel operators and authorities in hopes of news. What began as a sacred pilgrimage has ended in devastating uncertainty for many.

Saudi Civil Defence and police arrived at the scene promptly, while Indian officials and Umrah agency representatives travelled to the site to assist with recovery and provide updates to families in India.

The crash occurred around 1:30am IST near Muhras/Mufrihat, about 160km from Madinah. Many passengers were reportedly asleep, leaving them little chance to escape when the bus burst into flames after impact.

Rescue teams said the bus was completely gutted, making identification of victims extremely difficult. One person is believed to have survived, though their condition remains unknown.

Following the accident, the Consulate of India in Jeddah set up a round-the-clock control room. Families can reach the helpline on the toll-free number 8002440003.

A spiritual journey turned tragic early Monday when a bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims from Makkah to Madinah collided with a diesel tanker, triggering a massive fire, according to media reports.

At least 42 people are feared dead, with initial reports suggesting many passengers were women and children from Hyderabad. Unofficial sources indicate that 11 women and 10 children may be among the victims, though authorities are still verifying the numbers.