A tragic bus accident in Saudi Arabia has claimed the lives of 45 Indian pilgrims, with only one survivor reported. The incident occurred approximately 25 kilometers outside of Medina early Monday morning, November 17, 2025, as the pilgrims were en route from Mecca.
According to reports, the bus, carrying 46 passengers, collided with a diesel tanker, resulting in a massive fire. The pilgrims had traveled from Hyderabad to Jeddah on November 9 and were scheduled to return on November 23. Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar confirmed that 54 individuals had traveled from Hyderabad for the pilgrimage, with eight opting for separate travel arrangements, while the remaining 46 boarded the bus involved in the crash.
The sole survivor, identified as Md Abdul Shoaib, is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Saudi Arabian hospital. His condition is reported to be critical.
The news has triggered widespread grief and mourning, particularly among families in Hyderabad, who are anxiously seeking information about their loved ones. Distraught relatives have been rushing to travel agencies, desperate for updates.
Indian authorities are responding to the tragedy. The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has established a 24/7 control room to assist families, with a toll-free helpline number 8002440003. A control room has also been set up at Telangana Bhavan in New Delhi. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has expressed his shock and has directed officials to coordinate with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the External Affairs Ministry to provide immediate relief measures. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, currently in Russia, has also expressed his shock and assured full support to the affected families.
Political figures have also expressed their condolences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his sorrow and offered his thoughts to the bereaved families. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge urged the central government to work closely with state authorities to provide support to the victims' families.
The accident has prompted reactions from various leaders, with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressing their condolences via social media. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy have also expressed their grief.
As investigations into the cause of the accident continue, authorities are working to identify the victims and provide support to their families during this difficult time. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are coordinating with Saudi authorities to manage the situation and provide assistance to the affected.
