Post by : Rameen Ariff

Medina, Saudi Arabia – November 17, 2025: A tragic bus accident in central Saudi Arabia has resulted in the deaths of at least 45 Indian pilgrims, with a sole survivor confirmed, as reported by local and Indian officials on Sunday. The vehicle was en route from Mecca to Medina when it collided with a diesel tanker, catching fire soon after, which left little chance for the passengers to escape.

Hyderabad officials revealed that 54 Indian pilgrims had organized their journey through the same travel agency, but eight made alternative arrangements, which likely saved their lives. The bus that met this tragic fate carried 46 passengers. Authorities are liaising with their Saudi counterparts to confirm victims' identities and assist their families.

Oleh Synehubov, a prominent official in Hyderabad, remarked, “A list of 46 individuals is available, and we are actively working on identification and validation. Both central and state government agencies are engaged, and we hope to provide significant updates shortly.”

The only survivor, Mohd Abdul Shoiab, was pulled from the wreckage, although details regarding his condition remain undisclosed. As reported by witnesses, most of the passengers were asleep during the crash, compounding the tragedy. Rescue teams noted that the bus was entirely consumed by flames, complicating victim identification.

In response to the calamity, the Indian government has acted promptly. The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has set up a 24x7 control room to help affected families (+91 8002440003). Additionally, the Telangana state government has made helpline numbers available: +91 7997959754 and +91 9912919545.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed profound sadness over the incident and pledged full support to the victims' families, stating, “Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are offering comprehensive support. My condolences to the grieving families. We pray for the rapid recovery of those injured.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated these feelings on social media, indicating that Indian officials are closely collaborating with Saudi authorities to provide all possible assistance to affected families.

This heartbreaking event occurs as numerous pilgrims undertake their religious journeys between Mecca and Medina, raising pressing concerns regarding the safety of Indian travelers in Saudi Arabia. An investigation into the accident is underway, with preliminary findings suggesting that excessive speed or loss of vehicle control may have been contributing factors.

Ongoing rescue efforts at the site involve Saudi emergency services and local officials who are working to retrieve any remaining victims. Both Indian and Saudi authorities are offering support to the families of the pilgrims during the identification process.

This tragic event underscores the vital importance of safety measures for travelers and highlights the urgent need for enhanced regulation of intercity transportation in Saudi Arabia.

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