At least 45 Indian pilgrims have died after their bus collided with a diesel tanker near the holy city of Medina in Saudi Arabia, according to police. The crash occurred in the early hours of Monday at around 1.30am near Mufrihat, approximately 160km from Medina, and the vehicle burst into flames while many passengers were asleep.
Only one person survived the crash and is receiving hospital treatment. All the victims were from Hyderabad in the Indian state of Telangana. The group of 54 Umrah pilgrims had left Hyderabad for Mecca on 9 November, with four travelling to Medina by car, 46 on the bus, and four remaining in Mecca.
Rescue teams reported that the bodies were completely charred, making identification difficult. The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has established a 24/7 control room for families, with a toll-free helpline at 8002440003. A separate control room has been set up at the Telangana Bhawan in New Delhi to coordinate assistance.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sadness over the accident, stating, 'My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured.' He added that Indian officials are in close contact with Saudi authorities.
Family members in Hyderabad reacted with shock, with one resident telling local media that 'my entire family is dead' in the accident. Local MP Asaduddin Owaisi has spoken to the Indian embassy, urging the government to expedite the return of bodies and assist the injured. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said he was 'shocked' by the incident and is in contact with the embassy.
