At Least 42 Indians Feared Dead in Madinah Bus Mishap

At least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims feared dead after Saudi bus-tanker collision near Madinah

A devastating Saudi bus accident near Madinah has left at least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims feared dead, according to early reports from local media. The bus collided with a diesel tanker in Mufrihat, triggering a massive fire that charred most passengers. Many of the victims are believed to be from Hyderabad, making the tragedy even more distressing for families in Telangana searching for updates.

Several Hyderabad Residents Among Victims

Telangana information technology minister D Sridhar Babu said preliminary inputs showed that “at least 16 of those killed in the Saudi bus mishap were Hyderabad residents.” He added that they were from the Bazarghat area of Mallepalli, though officials are still verifying the identities. The group had left Hyderabad on November 9 and was returning to Madinah after offering Umrah prayers in Mecca when the collision occurred. The bus had 43 passengers, and only one person is believed to have survived.

India Sets Up Emergency Helpline and Support Channels

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he was “deeply shocked” by the incident involving Indian nationals. He noted that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah were providing the “fullest support” to affected families. The Consulate set up a round-the-clock helpline and stated, “In view of a tragic bus accident near Madina, Saudi Arabia, involving Indian Umrah pilgrims, a 24x7 Control Room has been set up in the Consulate General of India, Jeddah. The contact details of the Helpline are as under: Toll-free number- 8002440003.” Officials are working to gather accurate information and assist families urgently.

Telangana Govt Coordinates Relief and Verification

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock over the “horrific accident involving a bus carrying Indian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia” and instructed senior officials to collect complete details quickly. The state government is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy. 

A control room has been activated at the State Secretariat to support families and track updates. Officials in Delhi have also been alerted to gather information on Telangana residents involved.

Owaisi Urges Centre to Act Quickly

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi sought immediate action from the Centre. He said he had spoken to Abu Mathen George, deputy chief of Mission in Riyadh, who “assured me that they are gathering information about the matter.” 

Owaisi added, “I request the Union Government, especially EAM Dr S Jaishankar, to bring the bodies back to India and, if anyone is injured, ensure that they receive proper medical treatment.”

A Harsh Reminder of Pilgrim Travel Risks

The Madinah bus collision underscores persistent safety challenges faced by Indian Umrah travellers. The emotional and logistical impact is substantial, considering there are many victims from Hyderabad. 

The response from the central and state authorities, which was well-coordinated, provides help; the magnitude of the event brings up the issue of safety in transportation during the time of pilgrimages. The main concerns at this point are the repatriation of the deceased, the support to families, and the prevention of similar accidents in the future flow of pilgrims.