‘Struck from behind by a tanker’: Lone survivor of Saudi bus tragedy describes moments before crash; pleads for support

Mohammed Abdul Shoeb, the 24-year-old sole survivor of the devastating bus crash near Madinah, Saudi Arabia, that claimed the lives of 45 Indian pilgrims, has returned to his home in Hyderabad on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, after receiving medical treatment in Saudi Arabia. In his first public statements since the tragedy, Shoeb recounted the horrific moments leading up to the collision and appealed for support.

The accident occurred on November 17, 2025, as the pilgrims were traveling from Mecca to Medina after completing their Umrah. According to Shoeb, the bus had stopped briefly when a passenger requested to use the restroom. "The bus was stationary," Shoeb explained to reporters shortly after arriving at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad. "An oil tanker came from behind and hit us. It all happened within five minutes". The impact caused a massive explosion and fire that engulfed the bus, leaving almost no chance of escape for the passengers.

Shoeb, who was seated next to the driver, managed to escape the inferno by jumping out of a window. "Abdul Shoeb Mohammed managed to break the window and jumped out of the bus. He is the only passenger to survive,” said Shaik Ismail, a travel consultant with Al Makkah tour agency. He sustained injuries, including burns, but his quick thinking saved him from certain death. "My clothes caught fire, and I quickly removed them," Shoaib recounted.

Tragically, Shoeb lost his parents, Mohammed Khadeer and Ghousiya Begum, and his grandfather, Mohammed Maulana, in the crash. He was traveling with seven members of his extended family. "There were four others from the same area, who stayed back at Mecca. Soon after the accident, Shoeb called up one of them and informed them about the tragedy, in which he lost parents, grandfather and his uncle's family,” said Mohammed Tehseen, Shoeb's relative.

Following the accident, Shoeb was admitted to the Saudi German Hospital in Madinah, where he received treatment for his injuries. His care was overseen by Dr. Muhammad Nooruddin, a Hyderabad-born specialist, and Dr. Yasir, a Saudi physician. While in the hospital, Shoeb was visited by the Consul General of India in Jeddah, who assured him that he was receiving the best possible medical care.

Upon his arrival in Hyderabad, Shoeb expressed his gratitude to those who had supported him during this difficult time. "I thank Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMIM MLA Majid Hussain and everyone who helped me and my family," he said. He also thanked Hyderabad parliamentarian Asaduddin Owaisi and TGHC Chairman Syed Ghulam Afzal Biyabani.

The Telangana government assisted Shoeb's brother, Mohammed Abdul Sameer, with travel arrangements to be with Shoeb in Saudi Arabia. The government also took care of the travel and stay expenses of family members who went to Saudi Arabia to complete the funeral prayers and burial in Jannat-ul-Baqi.

Shoeb's miraculous survival has been described as "extraordinary". Many have referred to him as the "miracle man". However, Shoeb humbly rejects the title, saying he was just fortunate to be given a second chance. Counselors and medical experts say survivors of such accidents often face long-term emotional challenges. Doctors have advised that Shoeb will require regular wound dressing in Hyderabad.

As investigations into the crash continue, Shoeb's account provides crucial insight into the tragic event. His story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety for pilgrims.