The tragic incident occurred around 1:30 AM IST (3:30 AM local time) on the Mecca-Medina highway near Muhras, approximately 25 km from Medina. The pilgrims, mostly from Hyderabad and surrounding areas of Telangana, were returning to Medina after performing Umrah in Mecca.
According to preliminary reports, the bus carrying 46 passengers rammed into a fuel tanker, triggering a massive fire. Only the bus driver survived with injuries, while all other passengers perished in the blaze. Many victims were asleep at the time of the collision, leaving them with no chance to escape.
Victims Mostly from Hyderabad, Several from Same Families
Most of the deceased belonged to extended families and small local groups from Hyderabad who had travelled together for Umrah on November 9. They were scheduled to return to India on November 23. The group had reached Saudi Arabia via regular pilgrimage packages arranged through local travel agents.
So far, several victims have been identified, including:
- Mohammed Moulana
- Abdul Sohail
- Mohammed Mastan
- Parveen Begum
- Zakiya Begum
- Shoukat Begum
- Farheen Begum
- Zaheen Begum
- Ghousiya Begum
- Mohammed Manzoor
- Mohammed Ali
Relatives in Hyderabad have appealed to the Indian government to expedite the repatriation of bodies.
Indian Government and Embassy in Action
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate General in Jeddah have swung into action. A 24×7 control room has been set up in Jeddah with helpline number: 8002440003.
The Telangana government has also established a control room at the Secretariat in Hyderabad. Affected families can contact:
- 040-23391231
- 040-23391063
- 79979-59754
- 99129-19545
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed officials to coordinate closely with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for victim identification and repatriation formalities.
National Leaders Express Grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, and AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi were among the leaders who expressed profound grief.
Dr. S. Jaishankar wrote, “Deeply shocked at the accident involving Indian nationals in Medinah, Saudi Arabia. Our Embassy and Consulate are extending fullest support. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families.”
Owaisi confirmed he had shared passenger details with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh to speed up identification.
Rising Concerns Over Road Safety on Mecca-Medina Route
This is not the first fatal accident on the busy Mecca-Medina pilgrimage route. Past incidents have raised questions about road safety standards, driver fatigue, and vehicle maintenance for pilgrim buses.
The Saudi authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collision and fire.
As Hyderabad mourns the loss of dozens of its residents, the Indian community in Saudi Arabia and back home prays for strength for the grieving families.
Authorities have assured all possible assistance in bringing the mortal remains back to India at the earliest.
