Saudi bus fire accident: Jaishankar says embassy fully supporting Indian pilgrims, shares emergency contacts

"Embassy, Consulate Giving Full Support": S Jaishankar On Saudi Bus Crash

At least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims are feared dead after a passenger bus travelling from Mecca to Medina collided with a diesel tanker in Saudi Arabia early Monday, according to initial media reports. The crash, which occurred around 1:30 am IST, caused the bus to burst into flames while most passengers were asleep.

Also read: Saudi bus accident: 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims dead after bus collides with tanker near Medina

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed grief over the incident, posting on X, “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 speedy recovery of those 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 mission also shared a helpline number: 8002440003.

In view of a tragic bus accident near Madina, Saudi Arabia, involving Indian Umrah pilgirms, a 24x7 Control Room has been set up in Consulate General of India, Jeddah.

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The contact details of the Helpline are as under:

8002440003 (Toll free)
0122614093
0126614276
0556122301…

— India in Jeddah (@CGIJeddah) November 17, 2025

Preliminary reports suggest many passengers on board were from Hyderabad, including women and children. Rescue teams and residents worked through the night to help the injured and recover bodies.

While some reports indicated that more than 40 people may have died on the spot, officials have not yet released an exact casualty figure.

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said he had contacted two Hyderabad-based travel agencies and shared passenger details with authorities, noting that the numbers were still “not confirmed.”

“Forty-two Hajj pilgrims who were travelling from Mecca to Medina were on a bus that caught fire,” Owaisi told reporters.

He added that he had spoken to Abu Mathen George, the Deputy Chief of Mission in Riyadh, who assured him they were gathering information.

Owaisi urged the Centre to expedite repatriation and treatment for survivors:
“I request the Union Government, especially External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, to bring the bodies back to India and, if anyone is injured, ensure that they receive proper medical treatment.”