At least 45 people are feared dead after a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker near Medina in Saudi Arabia, leaving the vehicle engulfed in flames. Local media reported that around 42 of the victims were Indian nationals, most of them from Hyderabad in Telangana. The accident occurred around 1.30 am IST near Mufrihat, as the group was travelling from Mecca to Medina after completing Umrah rituals.

According to Gulf News, many passengers were asleep when the collision occurred, giving them little chance to escape as the bus caught fire. The charred condition of the vehicle has made identification extremely difficult. One survivor, Mohd Abdul Shoiab, has been hospitalised, though his condition remains unclear. Reports suggest that the victims include at least 11 women and 10 children, with authorities still verifying the exact toll.

The Telangana government is coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, while a control room has been set up in Hyderabad to assist families. The Indian embassy in Jeddah has also activated a 24x7 helpline (8002440003).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi expressed deep condolences and assured full support for the affected families, including efforts to repatriate the bodies and treat the injured.

At least 45 people are feared dead after a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker near Medina in Saudi Arabia, leaving the vehicle engulfed in flames. Local media reported that around 42 of the victims were Indian nationals, most of them from Hyderabad in Telangana. The accident occurred around 1.30 am IST near Mufrihat, as the group was travelling from Mecca to Medina after completing Umrah rituals.

According to Gulf News, many passengers were asleep when the collision occurred, giving them little chance to escape as the bus caught fire. The charred condition of the vehicle has made identification extremely difficult. One survivor, Mohd Abdul Shoiab, has been hospitalised, though his condition remains unclear. Reports suggest that the victims include at least 11 women and 10 children, with authorities still verifying the exact toll.

The Telangana government is coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, while a control room has been set up in Hyderabad to assist families. The Indian embassy in Jeddah has also activated a 24x7 helpline (8002440003).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi expressed deep condolences and assured full support for the affected families, including efforts to repatriate the bodies and treat the injured.