A tragic collision between a bus and a diesel tanker near Medina, Saudi Arabia, has reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 42 people, many of whom are believed to be Indian Umrah pilgrims. The accident occurred early Monday morning, at approximately 1:30 AM IST, near Mufrihat, which is about 160 km from Medina.

Initial reports suggest that the bus was carrying pilgrims from Mecca to Medina. According to Gulf News, many passengers were asleep when the collision occurred, leaving them with little chance of escape as the bus caught fire following the impact.

The majority of the passengers are believed to be Indian nationals, primarily from Hyderabad, Telangana, although official confirmation is still pending. Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has stated that the 42 pilgrims were traveling from Mecca to Medina when the bus caught fire. He has urged the Indian government to intervene, requesting that the bodies be repatriated to India and that any injured receive appropriate medical care.

In response to the accident, the Telangana government has established contact with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has alerted officials in New Delhi and is coordinating with embassy authorities to verify details and provide assistance. Owaisi has also been in contact with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, and has shared passenger details with both the embassy and the Foreign Secretary.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is currently gathering information about the incident. The exact cause of the collision is under investigation by Saudi authorities.