At least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims are feared dead after a bus travelling from Makkah to Medinah collided with a diesel tanker and caught fire early Monday, according to Gulf News and local Saudi media reports.
The bus accident occurred around 1:30 am IST near Saudi Arabia’s Mufrihat, roughly 160 km from Madinah, while the group of Indian pilgrims, reported largely from Hyderabad, Telangana, was returning after completing Umrah rituals, reports NDTV.
NDTV, citing Khaleej Times, said many passengers were asleep when the collision triggered a massive blaze, leaving them little chance to escape.
Initial, unofficial reports suggest many of the victims include women and children, with some sources indicating that 11 women and 10 children may be among the dead. Authorities in Saudi Arabia are still in the process of verifying exact figures and identifying the victims.
Government Response
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed deep shock over the tragedy, stating that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are extending full support to the affected families. He offered condolences to the bereaved and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
The Telangana government has said it is in close coordination with Indian embassy officials in Saudi Arabia. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed officials in New Delhi to work closely with the mission to facilitate updates and assistance.
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi confirmed that 42 people were on board the bus and said he is in touch with Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. He urged the central government to ensure the bodies are brought back to India and that proper medical care is provided to survivors.
Helpline Activated
Following the incident, the Consulate of India in Jeddah has set up a 24/7 control room for families seeking information.
Toll-free helpline: 8002440003
In view of a tragic bus accident near Madina, Saudi Arabia, involving Indian Umrah pilgirms, a 24×7 Control Room has been set up in Consulate General of India, Jeddah.
The contact details of the Helpline are as under:
8002440003 (Toll free)
0122614093
0126614276
0556122301…— India in Jeddah (@CGIJeddah) November 17, 2025
