At least 45 people lost their lives after a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims caught fire following a collision with a diesel tanker near Madinah in Saudi Arabia. Early assessments suggest that many of the victims were Indian nationals, including several residents of Hyderabad.
Initial inputs received by Telangana authorities indicate that around 16 of those killed may be from Hyderabad&rsquo;s Bazarghat area in Mallepalli. Officials are currently verifying identities and gathering further information from Saudi authorities.
The incident occurred around 1:30 am IST in Mufrihat, roughly 160 kilometres from Madinah. The bus was reportedly carrying 43 passengers, and only one person is believed to have survived the impact and subsequent blaze.
The group had departed from Hyderabad on November 9 for the Umrah pilgrimage. They were travelling back to Madinah after completing prayers in Mecca when the accident took place. The travellers were associated with two Hyderabad-based agencies, Al Meena and Al Mecca Travels.
India&rsquo;s Ministry of External Affairs has begun coordinating support through the Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah. A dedicated 24/7 helpline has been activated to assist families seeking information or help.
The Telangana government is also in touch with the central and Saudi authorities. The chief minister has directed senior officials to collect details of the victims and determine how many residents from the state were on board. A control room has been set up at the State Secretariat to support families and streamline information sharing.
Leaders from Hyderabad have urged the Centre to expedite assistance, ensure the safe return of mortal remains, and arrange medical care for any survivors. Local representatives have also contacted travel agencies linked to the tour group and shared passenger details with Indian authorities in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia bus collision kills 45 Umrah pilgrims, many feared to be from Hyderabad

45 Umrah Pilgrims Killed in Saudi Bus Inferno

Saudi Arabia bus collision kills 45 Umrah pilgrims, many feared to be from Hyderabad

November 17, 2025 | 17:25 IST