Early on Monday, a passenger bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker near Medina, Saudi Arabia.
The Indian mission in Jeddah confirmed the incident and swiftly mobilised support for those affected.
Preliminary reports suggest most pilgrims on the bus are from Hyderabad, with casualties feared due to the intensity of the collision.
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah immediately set up a 24/7 control room to assist families seeking information.
The mission also released dedicated helpline numbers to support victims’ relatives during this difficult time.
“In view of a tragic bus accident near Madina, Saudi Arabia, involving Indian Umrah pilgrims, a 24×7 Control Room has been set up in Consulate General of India, Jeddah,” the Consulate posted on X.
In view of a tragic bus accident near Madina, Saudi Arabia, involving Indian Umrah pilgirms, a 24×7 Control Room has been set up in Consulate General of India, Jeddah.
The contact details of the Helpline are as under:
8002440003 (Toll free)
0122614093
0126614276
0556122301…— India in Jeddah (@CGIJeddah) November 17, 2025
Reaction from Indian Authorities
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed deep concern over the accident, assuring full support to affected nationals and their families.
“Deeply shocked at the accident involving Indian nationals in Medinah, Saudi Arabia. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are giving fullest support to Indian nationals and families affected by this accident. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he tweeted.
Deeply shocked at the accident involving Indian nationals in Medinah, Saudi Arabia.
Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are giving fullest support to Indian nationals and families affected by this accident.
Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Pray for the…
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 17, 2025
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy also condoled the loss of lives, confirming that the state government had established a control room in Hyderabad to provide information and assistance to the victims’ families.
Details of the Incident
According to unconfirmed media reports, the bus was travelling from Mecca to Medina, carrying pilgrims who had just completed their rituals in Mecca.
Most passengers were reportedly asleep when the crash occurred, which reportedly caused an explosion due to the diesel tanker.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with local residents assisting the injured.
Authorities have yet to confirm the exact number of casualties. Rescue teams continue to provide urgent medical attention to those severely injured.
The Indian mission is working closely with Saudi authorities to provide timely assistance and relay accurate information to families.
The Consulate General and Indian authorities are monitoring the situation closely, coordinating with local emergency teams, and providing updates to the public.
Families of victims are being assisted in travel, medical care, and repatriation efforts as required.
This tragic accident underscores the risks faced by pilgrims during their spiritual journeys and highlights the importance of prompt emergency response and international consular support.
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