Summary
At least 42 to 45 Umrah pilgrims, most of them Indian nationals from Hyderabad, are feared dead after a bus collided with a diesel tanker near Madinah, Saudi Arabia, in the early hours of November 17, 2025. The crash triggered a massive fire, leaving only one known survivor, according to local authorities and Indian officials.
Details of the Incident
The tragedy occurred near Mufrihat village, approximately 160 km from Madinah, as the bus was traveling from Mecca to Madinah. The collision with the fuel tanker caused both vehicles to burst into flames, trapping passengers inside. Emergency responders recovered bodies and rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, though the majority of passengers are believed to have perished National Herald Mint NDTV Legit.ng Gulf News The Independent CNBCTV18 News18 Firstpost.
Victims and Identification
Preliminary reports indicate that many of the victims were residents of Hyderabad, Telangana, with families anxiously awaiting confirmation of identities. Officials in India, including Telangana’s state government, have set up helplines and a control room to assist relatives. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are coordinating with Saudi authorities to provide support and repatriation assistance National Herald Mint NDTV Connected to India Gulf News The Independent.
Official Reactions
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, calling the crash “horrific” and extending prayers for the victims’ families. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that Indian officials are in close contact with Saudi authorities. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also issued a statement of grief and announced emergency measures to support affected families Mint NDTV Connected to India CNBCTV18.
Context and Impact
The accident is among the deadliest road tragedies involving pilgrims in Saudi Arabia in recent years, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety on routes connecting Mecca and Madinah. With thousands of pilgrims traveling daily, authorities are under pressure to strengthen transport safety standards and emergency response systems.
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