Saudi bus accident kills 45: How one Indian Umrah pilgrim survived

A tragic bus accident near Madinah, Saudi Arabia, on Monday claimed the lives of 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims, leaving only one survivor.

Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar confirmed the casualties, stating, “Forty-five people have died, and there is only one survivor, who is currently in hospital.”

The sole survivor, Mohd Abdul Shoiab, 24, from Hyderabad, was seated near the driver when the bus collided with a diesel tanker while travelling from Makkah to Madinah around 1:30 am IST. He is receiving treatment in hospital, Sajjanar said.

Following the tragedy, Indian community volunteers have been active at hospitals, offering support to affected families. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah confirmed they are coordinating with the Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministry, local authorities, and Umrah operators. Officials are also working closely with the Telangana government to assist victims’ families.

Dozens of distressed relatives gathered at a Hyderabad travel agency after learning about the accident. NDTV reported that over 40 people, mostly from Hyderabad, died when the bus carrying pilgrims from Mecca to Medina caught fire after colliding with a diesel tanker near Mufrihat early Monday.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, currently in Russia, expressed deep shock over the incident. “Our embassy in Riyadh and consulate in Jeddah are giving fullest support to Indian nationals and families affected by this accident,” he said. He offered condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy also expressed shock. He directed the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to gather full details, contact the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy, and implement relief measures as needed. “A control room has been set up at the Secretariat to monitor details and relief measures, providing information to families and relatives,” his office said.

A control room was established at Telangana Bhavan, New Delhi, with senior officials maintaining constant contact with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. Efforts are ongoing to verify full details and confirm how many pilgrims from Telangana were affected.

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