Saudi bus accident: Chilling video shows bus carrying 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims engulfed in flames

Saudi bus accident

Chilling video shows the Saudi Arabia bus crash that was carrying at least 42 Umrah pilgrims, moments after it collided with a diesel tanker near Medina on Monday, leaving the vehicle engulfed in flames.

At least 42 Indians are feared dead, most of them from Telangana, according to local media reports. The group was returning to Medina after offering Umrah prayers in Mecca when the tragic accident happened.

🚨🇮🇳🇸🇦 At least 42 Indian pilgrims are feared dead as a bus collides with a tanker in Saudi Arabia

EAM Jaishankar has expressed shock over the accident. The Consulate General of India in Jeddah activated 24×7 control room to coordinate the emergency response. pic.twitter.com/JDkNKwDUbT — Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) November 17, 2025

Preliminary reports suggest that at least 16 victims were residents of Hyderabad. Telangana IT minister D. Sridhar Babu was quoted by HT as saying the deceased were “all from the Bazarghat area of Mallepalli,” adding that officials were still working to confirm their identities. The group had departed Hyderabad on November 9 through Al Meena and Al Mecca Travels, Nampally.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has directed officials to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. A 24x7 control room has been activated with helpline numbers +91 79979 59754 and +91 99129 19545 for families seeking information.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described the incident as “deeply shocked,” adding: “Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are giving the fullest support to Indian nationals and families affected by this accident. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has also announced a dedicated helpline, stating on X: “In view of a tragic bus accident near Madina… a 24x7 Control Room has been set up… Toll free number- 8002440003.”

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi expressed grief and urged the Centre to bring back the bodies of the deceased pilgrims. He told ANI that he had spoken to Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission in Riyadh, and had shared passenger details with officials. “There were 42 people on the bus,” Owaisi said.

Authorities in both India and Saudi Arabia continue verification of identities as grieving families await official confirmation.