Quick reads
- A bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker near Medina on Monday; reports put the number of Indians feared dead between 42 and 45.
- Most victims are reported to be pilgrims from Hyderabad / Telangana; local officials and families are seeking confirmation.
- There is one reported survivor receiving treatment; Saudi rescue teams and Indian missions are coordinating the identification and relief efforts.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice-President (and several union ministers) expressed sorrow and assured consular help; the External Affairs Minister said Indian missions are giving “fullest support”.
- The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has set up a 24-hour control room and helplines for families.
Panic on the Mecca–Medina route: what happened
Early on Monday, a bus carrying pilgrims from Mecca to Medina collided with a diesel tanker and caught fire on the highway near Medina. Initial on-scene reports and Saudi emergency services say passengers were trapped as the vehicle burned, making rescue and identification difficult. International and Indian media are reporting slightly different death tallies as authorities continue to confirm identities.
Who are the victims ‘ families in Hyderabad in distress
Multiple Indian outlets report that a large share of the victims were from Hyderabad and elsewhere in Telangana. Local officials in Hyderabad and the Telangana government have activated control rooms and are in touch with the Indian consulate to collect passenger lists and support next-of-kin. Community members and travel agents in the city have gathered outside offices seeking information.
Government response and consular help
New Delhi has offered assistance. The Prime Minister and Vice-President publicly condoled the loss, and the External Affairs Minister stated that Indian missions in Riyadh and Jeddah are coordinating identification, medical care, and repatriation. The Consulate General in Jeddah has announced helpline numbers for families to get updates and support.
Saudi authorities and Indian officials are working to confirm the final death toll, identify victims, and begin repatriation of bodies. Because early reports differ, families are urged to rely on official updates from the Indian consulate and state control rooms rather than social posts.
