42 Indian Umrah Pilgrims Feared Dead In Horrific Bus–Tanker Crash Near Medina In Saudi Arabia
At least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims are feared dead after a devastating collision between a passenger bus and a diesel tanker near Medina, Saudi Arabia, early Monday morning. According to initial reports from Saudi local media, most of the victims are believed to be Indian nationals, with several hailing from Hyderabad.
The group had departed from Hyderabad on November 9 for their pilgrimage. According to reports, they were travelling back to Medina after performing Umrah prayers in Mecca. They reportedly booked their travel through Al Meena and Al Mecca Travels, based in Nampally.
Telangana IT minister D. Sridhar Babu said preliminary inputs indicate that at least 16 of those killed were residents of Hyderabad, particularly from the Bazarghat area of Mallepalli. Officials are currently cross-verifying the identities of the deceased and injured.
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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said he was “deeply shocked” by the tragic mishap and assured families that the Embassy and Consulate are providing the “fullest support” to those affected. Expressing his condolences, he also prayed for the quick recovery of the injured.
Deeply shocked at the accident involving Indian nationals in Medinah, Saudi Arabia.
Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are giving fullest support to Indian nationals and families affected by this accident.
Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Pray for the…
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 17, 2025
The Telangana government confirmed it is in continuous touch with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah as efforts intensify to identify the victims and assist their families.
Telangana chief minister A. Revanth Reddy called the incident “horrific” and directed senior officials, including chief secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao and DGP Shivadhar Reddy, to gather detailed information from the ground. A special control room has been established at the State Secretariat to support families awaiting updates.
Resident Commissioner Gaurav Uppal in New Delhi has also been asked to coordinate with central authorities and collect data on Telangana residents involved in the tragedy.
AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said he has spoken to officials at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, who have assured him that information is being compiled. He has also contacted the two Hyderabad-based travel agencies linked to the group.
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Owaisi urged the central government and EAM Jaishankar to ensure the immediate repatriation of the victims’ bodies and proper medical treatment for the injured.
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has set up a round-the-clock control room for families seeking information.
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