Bus-Tanker Collision in Saudi Arabia: 42 Indian Umrah Pilgrims, Mostly from Hyderabad, Feared Dead

Riyadh: A devastating road accident near Mufrihat, en route from Mecca to Madinah, has claimed the lives of at least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims, many believed to be from Hyderabad, after their bus rammed into a diesel tanker early Monday.

The high-impact collision left several others critically injured, with emergency responders and Saudi authorities swiftly launching rescue operations. Officials are working to confirm the precise death toll and identify victims.

The Indian Consulate General in Jeddah has activated a round-the-clock control room for distressed families, providing a toll-free helpline: 8002440003. The mission oversees consular services for Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, Yanbu, Taif, Tabuk, Qunfudah, Al Baha, Abha, Jizan, and Najran.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy voiced profound grief and directed Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao and DGP B Shivadhar Reddy to immediately compile victim details and verify the number of state residents involved. The Telangana government is liaising with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Saudi Embassy, establishing a dedicated control room at the Secretariat with helplines 79979 59754 and 99129 19545.

Hyderabad Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi, mourning the loss, contacted local travel agents to furnish passenger manifests to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. He spoke with Deputy Chief of Mission Abu Mathen George, who assured updates once Saudi officials complete their inquiries.

Owaisi urged External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and the Centre to expedite the repatriation of the deceased and ensure top-tier medical care for the injured.

Officials are continuing with verification efforts amid ongoing relief coordination.

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