Beneath the official reports and condolence messages, whispers began circulating among pilgrims and local contacts in Medina.
Some claimed the bus’s path had been unusually dark and poorly marked, and questions arose about why a diesel tanker was traveling that particular route at night. Survivors described eerie moments just before the crash—a sudden swerve,
a sharp noise, and a flash of fire—prompting speculation that something more than chance may have contributed to the disaster. For families and authorities alike, the tragedy left an unsettling question lingering: was this purely an accident, or could unseen circumstances have played a role?
Haj Pilgrims from Hyderabad Die in Saudi Bus Accident Near Medina
NEW DELHI, Nov 17 — A devastating road accident in Saudi Arabia claimed the lives of at least 45 Haj pilgrims, including 42 Indian nationals, 18 of whom belonged to a single family from Hyderabad, Telangana. The tragedy occurred when a bus traveling from Mecca to Medina collided with a diesel tanker near Mufrihat, around 25 kilometers from Medina, at approximately 1:30 AM IST on Sunday night.
Local authorities reported that the bus carried 46 passengers. Miraculously, only one person survived: 24-year-old Mohd Abdul Shoiab from Hyderabad, who was seated near the driver. He has been hospitalized, though updates on his condition remain limited.
Reports suggest that many of the passengers were asleep when the collision caused the bus to catch fire, leaving them with little chance to escape. Rescue teams described the vehicle as completely charred, complicating identification of the victims.
The group of pilgrims had just completed their rituals in Mecca and were en route to Medina at the time. Among the deceased were at least 11 women and 10 children, though officials continue to confirm numbers. Most of the victims were residents of Hyderabad, according to Gulf News and Khaleej Times.
Government and Diplomatic Response
The Telangana government is coordinating closely with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy instructed officials in New Delhi to assist in collecting information about the victims from the state and set up a control room at the state secretariat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating: “Deeply saddened by the accident in Medina involving Indian nationals. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance.”
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi confirmed the deaths of 42 pilgrims and shared that he was in contact with the Indian Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission in Riyadh. Owaisi called for the repatriation of the victims’ bodies and proper medical care for the survivor.
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar also expressed shock and extended condolences, emphasizing that the Indian diplomatic missions are providing full support to affected families.
Relief Measures and Family Tragedy
The Telangana Cabinet announced an ex gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to each victim’s family. The deceased will be laid to rest in Saudi Arabia according to Islamic customs, with arrangements made for two family members from each bereaved family to attend the last rites.
A delegation led by Telangana Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammad Azharuddin will travel to Saudi Arabia to support the families. Meanwhile, 24Ă—7 control rooms have been established both at the Indian Consulate in Jeddah and at Telangana Bhavan, New Delhi, to provide updates and assistance.
The human cost of the tragedy was particularly severe for one Hyderabad family, which lost 18 members spanning three generations. At the Hajj House in Nampally, grief was palpable, with relatives clutching photographs, documents, and each other while awaiting news.
Among the victims were Naseeruddin (70), his wife Akhter Begum (62), their children and grandchildren, including Salauddin (42), Amina (44), Rizwana (38), and Shabana (40), along with nine children. Relatives described the loss as overwhelming, expressing disbelief and despair over the scale of the tragedy.
âś… Conclusion
The bus accident near Medina represents one of the deadliest tragedies affecting Indian Haj pilgrims in recent years. Beyond the immense personal loss, the incident highlights the critical importance of road safety during religious journeys and the challenges of providing timely support to victims abroad.
Coordination between Indian authorities, state governments, and Saudi officials has become crucial in addressing the humanitarian and logistical aftermath. For the families of the victims, the tragedy is a stark reminder of life’s fragility and the irreplaceable value of loved ones.