In a devastating accident near Madinah, Saudi Arabia, a bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker in the early hours of Monday, resulting in the deaths of 45 people. According to local and Indian authorities, most of the victims were Indian nationals, with a significant number hailing from Hyderabad, Telangana. Only one passenger survived and is receiving treatment at the Saudi German Hospital.

Preliminary reports indicate that the collision occurred around 1:30 a.m. IST in Mufrihat, approximately 160 kilometers from Madinah. The bus, carrying pilgrims returning from Mecca after performing Umrah rituals, was part of a larger group of 54 Indians who had left Hyderabad on November 9. According to Telangana Information Technology Minister D. Sridhar Babu, at least 16 of the deceased were Hyderabad residents from the Bazarghat area of Mallepalli.

Sequence of Events

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar provided detailed information regarding the group’s travel. The 54 pilgrims had flown from Hyderabad to Jeddah on November 9. Of the total group, four proceeded to Madinah by car, another four remained in Mecca, and the remaining 46 continued by bus. The tragic collision occurred about 25 kilometers from Madinah when the bus collided with a diesel tanker, leading to a massive fire that engulfed the vehicle.

The lone survivor of the accident, Mohammad Abdul Suyaib, is currently in intensive care, while the bodies of the deceased have been shifted to a local hospital. Authorities are working to identify all victims and verify their details.

Telangana Government Response

The Telangana government has been in immediate contact with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh to coordinate relief efforts. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock at the incident and instructed the state chief secretary, K. Ramakrishna Rao, and DGP Shivadhar Reddy to gather information on the victims and ascertain the number of Telangana residents on board.

A control room has been set up at the State Secretariat to assist families and consolidate information. Resident Commissioner Gaurav Uppal in Delhi has been alerted to collect details of Telangana residents involved in the tragedy.

Support from Indian Authorities

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed profound shock at the incident and assured that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are providing the fullest possible support to the affected families. He extended condolences to the bereaved and prayed for the recovery of the sole survivor.

The Indian Embassy in Jeddah has established a 24×7 control room for families seeking assistance. The toll-free helpline is 8002440003, and additional contact numbers include 0122614093, 0126614276, and WhatsApp number +966556122301. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed sorrow over the tragedy, confirming that Indian officials are in close touch with Saudi authorities and providing all possible assistance.

Political Response and Calls for Action

AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi urged the central government to intervene immediately. Speaking to Abu Mathen George, deputy chief of mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, Owaisi said that the Embassy was gathering information on the victims. He also contacted two Hyderabad-based travel agencies to share passenger details with the Riyadh Embassy and the Foreign Secretary.

Owaisi called on the Union Government, particularly EAM S. Jaishankar, to ensure the speedy repatriation of the bodies and proper medical treatment for any injured pilgrims.

Impact and Next Steps

The tragedy has left the Indian and Telangana communities reeling, especially in Hyderabad, which lost multiple residents in the accident. Authorities are coordinating with the Saudi government to expedite identification, documentation, and repatriation processes. The Indian Embassy and Consulate are also providing guidance and support to relatives of the victims, helping them navigate logistics, documentation, and travel to Saudi Arabia if needed.

Local authorities are investigating the cause of the collision, focusing on road conditions, vehicle safety, and tanker management protocols. Meanwhile, the Indian government has instructed all relevant agencies to ensure the smooth return of the victims’ remains to India and to provide support to the families during this extremely difficult time.

This incident underscores the risks faced by pilgrims traveling abroad and highlights the need for robust safety measures, especially for large groups undertaking long-distance journeys in foreign countries. The tragedy has elicited nationwide condolences, with citizens, political leaders, and social organizations expressing solidarity with the families affected by this catastrophic loss.

As the process of identification and repatriation continues, Indian authorities remain in close coordination with Saudi counterparts to ensure timely and dignified handling of the remains, while simultaneously monitoring the condition of the sole survivor and providing any assistance necessary for his recovery.