Over 40 Indians Feared Dead in Saudi Arabia: Medina-Bound Bus Collides With Diesel Tanker; Majority Pilgrims From Hyderabad

Introduction

A devastating accident has shaken the Indian community as a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims from Mecca to Medina collided with a diesel tanker early Monday morning, leaving more than 40 people feared dead. Most of the victims are believed to be from Hyderabad in Telangana.

What Happened

The crash occurred around 1:30 am (IST) when the pilgrims were traveling between the holy cities. According to reports, the bus collided with a diesel tanker near Mufrihat, triggering a massive fire. Many passengers were asleep at the time, reducing their ability to escape when disaster struck.

Who Were the Victims

Multiple media reports suggest that at least 42 Indian nationals are feared dead, with a large number of them from Hyderabad. Among the victims are said to be women and children. Officials are still working to confirm the exact identities and numbers.

Response From Authorities

The Telangana government reacted swiftly. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock at the tragedy and instructed top officials—including the Chief Secretary and the state’s police chief—to gather full details immediately. He also called for close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy to assist the affected families.

An emergency control room has been set up at the Telangana Secretariat to provide support and information. The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has also established a 24×7 helpline to help families of pilgrims.

Voices of Grief and Demand for Action

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly reacted to the incident. He said he had contacted the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and shared the names of the pilgrims via local travel agents. Owaisi is calling on the Indian government, particularly the External Affairs Ministry, to bring back the bodies and ensure proper treatment for any survivors.

Rescue Efforts

Saudi Civil Defence teams and police are on the ground, working to control the fire and rescue any survivors. The scene is described as chaotic, with burnt wreckage of the bus complicating identification and recovery efforts.

Why This Is a Huge Loss

• The pilgrims were returning after completing their holy rituals in Mecca, which makes this loss even more tragic.
• The fact that so many people from a single city (Hyderabad) are involved has magnified the grief in local communities.
• The difficulty of identifying victims and managing cross-border coordination adds a painful layer of complexity for families waiting for news.

Conclusion

This accident is a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life can be, even during sacred journeys. The scale of the tragedy and the number of grieving families in Hyderabad are prompting urgent responses from both state and national authorities. As rescue and identification efforts continue, the focus will be on bringing answers, offering support to the bereaved, and demanding accountability.