45 Indian Pilgrims Feared Dead in Saudi Bus-Tanker Collision Near Medina; Helplines Activated in India and Jeddah

Hyderabad/New Delhi, November 17:
At least 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims, most of them from Telangana, are feared dead after a passenger bus travelling from Mecca to Medina collided with an oil tanker early Monday, around 25 km before Medina. The bus was carrying 46 passengers, including 18 men, 18 women, five girls and five boys. Only one passenger, Mohammed Abdul Shoeb, survived and is undergoing treatment, according to official sources.

A total of 54 pilgrims had travelled from Hyderabad to Jeddah on November 9. While eight members stayed back or travelled separately, 46 boarded the ill-fated bus at 4 p.m. on Sunday, scheduled to reach Medina for a stay till November 22.

The accident has triggered widespread shock and grief across India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and several political leaders have expressed deep condolences.

The Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed the Chief Secretary and DGP to coordinate urgently with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and officials at the Saudi Embassy. The Telangana government is working to identify how many people from the State were on board.

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said his priority is to ensure the bodies are brought back to Hyderabad without delay. He has spoken to senior officials including the Deputy Chief of Mission and the Consul General.

Former Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Telangana Minority Affairs Minister Mohammed Azharuddin, and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge have also issued condolence messages, urging close coordination for relief and support to the families.

Control Rooms and Helplines Activated

Consulate General of India, Jeddah (24×7)

8002440003 (Toll-free)

0122614093

0126614276

+966556122301 (WhatsApp)

Telangana Bhavan, New Delhi

Smt. Vandhana (PS to Resident Commissioner): +91 98719 99044

CH. Chakravarthi (PRO): +91 99583 22143

Rakshith Nail (Liaison Officer): +91 96437 23157

Family members of the pilgrims gathered anxiously at Hyderabad travel agencies that had arranged the pilgrimage.

The group was scheduled to return to Hyderabad from Jeddah on November 23.

Authorities in India and Saudi Arabia continue to verify identities of the victims and coordinate relief efforts. ( Agencies )