At least 45 people were killed in a fire after a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker near Madinah, Saudi Arabia, according to local media on November 17. The victims are believed to be Indian nationals, with several reportedly from Hyderabad.
Preliminary reports indicate that at least 16 of those killed in the Saudi bus accident were residents of Hyderabad, Telangana’s IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu said. He added that the victims were reportedly from the Bazarghat area of Mallepalli, while authorities continue to verify the identities of the deceased.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar confirmed that 45 people lost their lives in the crash, with only one survivor currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
🚨 TRAGIC NEWS 💔
40+ Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad are feared DEAD after a bus–tanker COLLISION in Saudi Arabia. pic.twitter.com/z1lEgjVfY1
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) November 17, 2025
According to initial information received by the state government, the accident occurred around 1:30 am IST in Mufrihat, approximately 160 km from Madinah.
A relative of the victims stated that the group had left Hyderabad on November 9 and was returning to Madinah after performing Umrah in Mecca when the tragedy occurred. They had travelled through Al Meena and Al Mecca Travels, Nampally.
Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar provided a detailed account of the group’s travel, stating that their itinerary ran from November 9 to 23. A total of 54 members flew from Hyderabad to Jeddah on November 9.
Four of the travellers then proceeded to Madinah by car, while another four remained in Mecca. The remaining 46 pilgrims continued their journey by bus.
Sajjanar said the accident occurred about 25 kilometres from Madinah when the bus collided with an oil tanker. Only one passenger, Mohammad Abdul Suyaib, survived and is currently receiving treatment in the ICU at the Saudi German Hospital. The bodies of the deceased have been taken to a local hospital.
The Telangana government stated that it is in contact with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and has instructed officials to coordinate with the External Affairs Ministry and the Saudi Embassy for urgent relief measures.
The Chief Secretary has informed Resident Commissioner Gaurav Uppal in Delhi and asked him to gather details of the Telangana residents affected. A control room has also been established at the State Secretariat to support families and compile information.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the bus accident in Saudi Arabia involving Indian Umrah pilgrims. In an X post, PM Modi said that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance, while Indian officials are also in close contact with the Saudi Arabian authorities.
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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 17, 2025
“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,” the Prime Minister posted.
Earlier today, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that he was “deeply shocked” by the bus accident near Madinah, Saudi Arabia, that involved several Indian pilgrims on Umrah.
In a post on X, he said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah were extending “fullest support” to all affected families.
“Deeply shocked at the accident involving Indian nationals in Medinah, Saudi Arabia. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are giving the 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,” he wrote.
Following the accident, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah announced that a 24/7 control room has been activated to assist relatives and coordinate emergency response.
“In view of a tragic bus accident near Madina, Saudi Arabia, involving Indian Umrah pilgrims, a 24×7 Control Room has been set up in the Consulate General of India, Jeddah,” the Consulate posted. Officials said they are in constant touch with Saudi authorities for updates on casualties, injured passengers, and hospitalisation details.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, too, has expressed shock over the incident after reports indicated that several victims were from Hyderabad.
According to an official statement, the Chief Minister has contacted officials in New Delhi and instructed them to coordinate closely with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh for updated information.
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