The Telangana government and the Indian embassy in Jeddah have opened 24×7 helplines to assist families. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed officials to coordinate with Saudi authorities for verified information and support.
BY PC Bureau
Hyderabad / Riyadh: A devastating road accident in Saudi Arabia early Monday has left at least 42 Umrah pilgrims feared dead, after a bus travelling from Makkah to Madina collided with a diesel tanker and erupted into flames. Multiple Saudi media outlets reported that a significant number of those killed are believed to be Indian nationals, particularly from Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana.
The crash occurred around 1.30 am IST near Mufrihat, a desert stretch on the route between the two holy cities. The bus, reportedly packed with worshippers returning from the Umrah pilgrimage, became engulfed in flames within minutes of the collision, giving passengers little time to escape.
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According to Gulf News, many onboard were asleep at the time of impact, which sharply reduced their chances of survival when the bus caught fire. The intensity of the blaze left the vehicle charred almost beyond recognition.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that the deceased include 11 women and 10 children, though Saudi authorities are still in the process of confirming nationalities and identities.
Eyewitnesses told local reporters that the collision was so severe that the diesel tanker overturned, spilling fuel across the road, which accelerated the flames engulfing the bus.
READ:
#BREAKING: Saudi Arabia bus crash: 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims feared dead in tanker collision
Bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims from Makkah to Madinah collided with a diesel tanker, triggering a massive fire. pic.twitter.com/lDx8QSMsRt
— JUST IN | World (@justinbroadcast) November 17, 2025
Most Victims From Telangana, Travelled via Hyderabad Agencies
Preliminary information indicates that a large number of pilgrims boarded the bus through two Hyderabad-based travel operators — Al-Meena Hajj and Umrah Travels and another agency that authorities are verifying.
Local reports say that around 16 pilgrims linked to these agencies are feared dead, though a final list will be released only after identification is completed by Saudi officials.
Family members in Hyderabad said they had been unable to contact their relatives since late Sunday night, prompting panic across several neighbourhoods in the city.
The Telangana government said it is in close coordination with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy instructed the state’s Resident Commissioner in New Delhi to work directly with embassy officials to obtain verified information.
A special control room has been set up at the state secretariat to assist families. The Telangana government issued two helpline numbers:
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+91 7997959754
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+91 9912919545
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Jeddah has activated its own 24×7 emergency helpline for the families of the victims:
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Toll-Free (within Saudi Arabia): 8002440003
In a social media post, the embassy said: “We are in touch with local authorities and gathering details. All possible assistance will be provided to victims and their families.”
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi confirmed that 42 Umrah pilgrims were onboard the bus and said he has spoken to Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh.
Owaisi urged the Indian government to ensure the swift repatriation of bodies and medical care for survivors.
He also appealed to travel agencies to immediately share verified passenger lists with the state authorities to avoid misinformation and panic.
Deadliest Umrah Transport Disaster in Recent Years
Saudi Arabia witnesses frequent movement of pilgrims, especially during peak seasons. Monday’s tragedy is being described as one of the deadliest transport accidents involving Umrah pilgrims in recent years.
In 2019, a similar bus crash near Madina killed 35 pilgrims. Monday’s accident has already surpassed that toll.
Saudi emergency teams, forensic units, and local police have begun the challenging process of identifying the bodies. Officials say it may take several hours, if not days, due to the extent of the burns.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is expected to release a formal statement once identification and documentation are complete.
