42 Umrah Pilgrims Feared Dead in Saudi Bus–Tanker Crash; Many Believed to Be From Hyderabad

At least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims were charred to death after a bus collided with a diesel tanker near Madinah early Monday, according to Saudi media reports. The devastating crash occurred in Mufrihat, around 160 km from the holy city, leaving only one known survivor from the 43 passengers onboard.

Local officials believe that most of the victims were Indian nationals, with a large number reportedly from Hyderabad. Telangana Information Technology Minister D. Sridhar Babu said that preliminary information suggests at least 16 of the deceased hailed from the Bazarghat area of Mallepalli, though formal identification is still underway.

The group had departed Hyderabad on November 9, and was returning to Madinah after performing Umrah in Mecca when the fatal collision occurred. The pilgrims were reportedly travelling through Al Meena and Al Mecca Travels, based in Nampally, according to relatives.

Indian Government Responds; Embassy Sets Up 24×7 Helpline

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said he was “deeply shocked” by the loss of Indian lives and confirmed that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah were providing “the fullest support” to survivors and families.

The Consulate in Jeddah has opened a 24×7 emergency control room, sharing a toll-free helpline number for families seeking information:

Toll-free: 8002440003
X Post (Consulate): “In view of a tragic bus accident near Madina involving Indian Umrah pilgrims, a 24×7 Control Room has been set up…”

Telangana Government Activates Emergency Coordination

The Telangana government said it is in continuous contact with Indian authorities in Riyadh. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy directed Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao and DGP Shivadhar Reddy to gather full details of passengers from the state and ensure support for families.

A control room has also been established at the Telangana State Secretariat. Resident Commissioner Gaurav Uppal in New Delhi has been alerted to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy.

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi Calls for Swift Repatriation

Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi urged the Central government to “immediately intervene” to ensure repatriation of bodies and medical care for any injured survivors. Owaisi said he had spoken to Indian officials in Riyadh, who informed him that information-gathering was underway. He also contacted Hyderabad-based travel agencies and shared passenger details with the MEA.

“I request EAM Dr S. Jaishankar to bring the bodies back to India at the earliest and ensure that any survivors receive proper treatment,” Owaisi said.

One of the Deadliest Crashes Involving Indian Pilgrims

Monday’s accident is among the deadliest road tragedies involving Indian Umrah pilgrims in recent years. Saudi authorities are currently investigating the cause of the collision, including whether the diesel tanker explosion contributed to the high casualty count.

Families in Hyderabad and other parts of India are awaiting official confirmation of identities as the process of verification continues.