At least 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad were killed early Monday when their bus caught fire following a devastating collision with a fuel tanker on the highway between Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. The victims included 18 members of a single extended family. Only one pilgrim, Mohammed Shoeb, survived the inferno.
According to officials, the crash occurred around 1:30 am local time (11 pm IST) when the bus, carrying pilgrims returning to Medina after completing Umrah rituals in Mecca, rammed into the tanker and burst into flames. Shoeb, who was seated beside the driver, managed to escape by breaking a window and jumping out. His brother, Mohammed Sameer, confirmed he remains in intensive care at Saudi German Hospital with severe injuries to his arms and legs.
Hyderabad police commissioner V. C. Sajjanar said the 46 passengers on the bus were part of a 54-member group that flew from Hyderabad to Saudi Arabia on November 9. They were scheduled to return to India on November 23. Of the group, four individuals had hired a separate vehicle to travel to Medina, while another four remained in Mecca.
Authorities revealed the victims included 22 women and 11 children. Many passengers were believed to be asleep at the moment of impact. However, it is still unclear whether the tanker was moving or stationary when the collision occurred.
Centre and State Governments Mobilise Emergency Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock over the tragedy, saying he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of Indian lives. “My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones,” he wrote on X, assuring that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are providing full assistance.
The Telangana government has also moved swiftly. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy instructed officials to coordinate closely with Saudi authorities and central agencies. A high-level team, led by minorities welfare minister Mohammad Azharuddin, will be sent to Saudi Arabia to oversee relief efforts and support affected families.
Announcing an ex gratia of ₹5 lakh for the next of kin of each victim, the Telangana government said it would help arrange funerals in accordance with local traditions. Two family members of each deceased pilgrim will also be flown to Saudi Arabia. Authorities confirmed that many bodies were charred beyond recognition, and DNA tests will likely be necessary for identification.
A control room has been set up at Haj House in Hyderabad (79979 59754 / 99129 19545) to provide information to families.
Saudi Authorities Begin Investigation
Saudi officials have launched a probe into the exact circumstances of the collision. According to a 2023 UN report, Saudi Arabia records a high rate of road fatalities compared to other high-income nations, and pilgrim transport routes especially during Hajj and Umrah seasons are particularly prone to dangerous congestion and traffic jams.
Authorities said the Al-Makkah Travels owned bus was just 25 km from its Medina destination when the fatal crash occurred.
