At least 45 Umrah pilgrims lost their lives after a bus collided with a diesel tanker near Medina early Monday. Local reports said 42 victims were Indian nationals, most from Hyderabad. The crash took place around 1.30 am IST near Mufrihat as the group travelled from Mecca to Medina after completing their rituals.
Several passengers slept during the journey, giving them no chance to escape when the bus caught fire. The flames spread fast and destroyed the vehicle. Rescue teams struggled to identify the bodies because the bus was completely charred. Only one passenger, Mohd Abdul Shoiab, survived and is now in a hospital. His condition remains unclear.
The Telangana government opened a control room and coordinated with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. Officials are collecting details of the deceased. The state issued helpline numbers +91 7997959754 and +91 9912919545 for families. The Indian Embassy in Jeddah also announced a 24×7 helpline.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and offered prayers for the families. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said the embassy and consulate are supporting affected Indians. Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi urged the Centre to bring the bodies home and provide care for the injured.
