A passenger bus collided with a diesel tanker early today near Medina, Saudi Arabia, causing a massive fire in the bus. 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims died in the accident. Most of the passengers were residents of Hyderabad (Telangana). One person is left in critical condition.
Key Highlights
Accident: The bus going from Mecca to Medina collided with a diesel tanker.
Time: 1:30 pm IST, 17 November 2025.
Location: Mufrihat, near Madinah.
Deaths: 42 Indians, including 20 women and 11 children.
Passengers could not come out due to fire in the bus.
One seriously injured was admitted to hospital.
PM Modi and Foreign Ministry expressed condolences, assistance continues.
Saudi and Indian officials activated the control room.
Know the complete details of the accident
An accident occurred in Saudi Arabia in the early hours of Monday which shocked the entire India. A passenger bus returning after completing Umrah puja from Mecca was moving towards Medina. Meanwhile, the bus collided heavily with a standing diesel tanker in Mufrihat area.
The collision was so severe that the bus immediately caught fire. Most of the passengers were sleeping, so no one got a chance to get out. Within a few minutes the bus was completely burnt to ashes.
The only surviving passenger has been admitted to a local hospital and is in critical condition.
The video surfaced on social media shows high flames and pictures of the fire brigade and rescue teams that reached the spot. Local people also helped in the rescue work.
Indian government’s response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences by tweeting:
“Shocked by this terrible accident in Saudi Arabia. Condolences to the families of the deceased. Wishing speedy recovery to the injured.”
Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said that Indian diplomats are in touch with Saudi officials and relief work is going on.
Indian Embassy Helpline
On the other hand, the Telangana government has also given instructions to support the victims’ families by setting up a control room. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has asked to ensure return of the dead bodies to India as soon as possible.
Reactions on social media
Many journalists, channels and common people have expressed grief on social media. Videos and pictures are becoming increasingly viral.
— “Heartbreaking incident…”
— “42 Indians killed, many women and children identified…”
Confirmation of travel agencies
The deceased pilgrims had gone through Hyderabad’s Flyzone and Al-Makkah Hajj and Umrah agencies. As soon as the news of the accident was received, the family members gathered outside the offices in Hyderabad.
