At least 42 Indian nationals lost their lives after a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker and burst into fire near Medina in Saudi Arabia on Monday night. Dramatic visuals from the site show the bus engulfed in massive flames, with emergency responders rushing to the scene.
The fatal crash occurred around 1:30 am (IST) at a location identified as Mufrihat. The pilgrims were returning from Mecca after completing their Umrah rituals and were on their way to Medina. According to local reports, most passengers were asleep when the fire broke out, leaving almost no chance for escape.
A majority of the victims are believed to be from Hyderabad, Telangana. Only one person, identified as Mohd Abdul Shoiab, survived the incident, though his condition remains unclear.
Rescue teams, firefighters, and police are continuing operations to extinguish the fire and identify the victims.
Emergency Helplines issued by Indian Government on Saudi Bus Fire
To assist families, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah has activated a 24×7 control room at 8002440003. Additionally, the Indian government has issued emergency helplines: +91 7997959754 and +91 9912919545.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed deep shock over the tragedy. “Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing full support to the affected families. Sincere condolences to the bereaved. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he posted on X.
The Telangana government has stated that it is in touch with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said he is coordinating with Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy, who assured him that efforts are underway to gather complete details. Owaisi added that he has contacted two Hyderabad-based travel agencies and shared passenger information with the Embassy and the Foreign Secretary. He urged the Union Government and EAM Jaishankar to ensure that the victims’ bodies are brought back to India and that any injured receive proper medical care.
