In a devastating incident, forty-two Umrah pilgrims from Telangana were killed when their bus caught fire after colliding with a tanker lorry in Saudi Arabia early on Monday. The tragedy has left families in Hyderabad in deep shock as officials confirm that all the victims, including 20 women and 11 children, were residents of the city.

Deadly crash on high-speed corridor

The accident occurred around 1:30 am IST at Mufrahath, located between Badr and Madinah, on a wide highway known for fast-moving traffic. According to initial reports, the bus was carrying 43 passengers, and only one survivor has been identified so far. Most passengers were reportedly asleep when the collision happened, worsening the impact and contributing to the high death toll.

Local media, including Mathrubhumi News, reported that the collision triggered a massive fire, engulfing the bus within minutes and leaving little time for escape.

Immediate response from Indian authorities

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy, extending condolences to the bereaved families. In a post on X, he said, “Deeply saddened by the accident in Medinah involving Indian nationals. 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 the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah were providing all assistance.

External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar also expressed shock and assured full support to affected families. He stated that both missions in Saudi Arabia were coordinating with officials to ensure necessary help, saying, “Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

In Jeddah, a 24×7 control room has been set up at the Consulate General of India to assist families seeking information.

Control room numbers:
8002440003
0122614093
0126614276
0556122301 (WhatsApp)

Support efforts coordinated with Saudi authorities

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are working closely with the Saudi Haj and Umrah Ministry, local authorities, and Umrah operators. A team of consulate officials and Indian community volunteers is present at hospitals and the accident site to assist survivors, gather details, and aid families of the deceased.

The consulate stated that coordination has begun for procedures related to identification, documentation and repatriation of bodies. Efforts are also underway to provide updated information to families in India through the dedicated helpline.

Telangana government monitors situation

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed profound grief over the tragedy and directed senior officials to gather full details and coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs. He also instructed officials to work with the Saudi Embassy to ensure immediate relief measures and support.

Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao has spoken with Coordination Secretary Gaurav Uppal in Delhi and issued directives for continuous monitoring. A control room has been set up at the Telangana Secretariat to support families and provide verified updates.

Telangana Secretariat control room numbers:
+91 79979 59754
+91 99129 19545

Local leaders seek swift repatriation

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi confirmed that all 42 victims were Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad. He said he was in touch with officials in Riyadh, including Deputy Chief of Mission Abu Mathen George, to track developments and ensure coordinated support. Owaisi urged the central government to expedite repatriation of the bodies and ensure adequate medical care for the lone survivor.

Conclusion

The tragic collision has cast a pall of grief over Hyderabad as families brace for updates from Saudi Arabia. With Indian and Saudi authorities coordinating efforts on the ground, the focus now shifts to the repatriation process and ensuring support for the bereaved families. As investigations continue, the incident underscores ongoing concerns about road safety on high-speed routes frequently used by pilgrims.