42 Indian Umrah Pilgrims Killed in Saudi Arabia Bus-Tanker Collision; Most Victims From Hyderabad

A major tragedy struck Indian Umrah pilgrims early Monday when 42 Indians — most from Hyderabad — were killed after their bus travelling from Mecca to Madinah collided with a diesel tanker in Saudi Arabia, the Telangana government confirmed.

The accident occurred around 1:30 am (IST) near Mufrihat, approximately 160 km from Madinah. The collision triggered an explosion, engulfing the bus in flames within minutes. Almost all onboard were charred to death, with only one known survivor so far.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences. The Telangana government also announced ₹5 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased.

Key Developments in the Saudi Bus Accident

• While an official death count is awaited, officials familiar with the matter told Hindustan Times that 44 people were killed — 42 Indian nationals and two Saudi facilitators.

• All 42 Indians were from Telangana. Their remains have been moved to King Fahad Hospital, King Salman Hospital and Al Miqat Hospital in Madinah.

• Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar said the bus caught fire instantly after colliding with the oil tanker, leaving passengers with no time to escape.

• The pilgrims — a group of 54 — had left Hyderabad on November 9, completed their Umrah in Mecca, and were headed to Madinah when the accident occurred.

• The lone survivor, 24-year-old Md Abdul Shoeb, is in ICU in Saudi Arabia. He escaped by jumping out of a window along with the driver moments before the fire erupted. Shoeb, however, lost his parents, grandfather, and three relatives in the accident.

• Another Hyderabad resident, 35-year-old Syed Rashid, lost 18 members of his extended family, including his parents, brother, sister-in-law, three nephews, and relatives who had travelled from the US.
  “I had warned them not to travel together, especially with children. I never imagined I was seeing them for the last time,” Rashid said.

Repatriation efforts for the victims are currently underway, with Indian and Saudi authorities coordinating closely.