What began as a peaceful spiritual journey for dozens of Umrah pilgrims from Telangana ended in unimaginable tragedy early Monday. A bus carrying the group from Mecca to Medina crashed into a diesel tanker, erupting into flames and leaving 42 Indians feared dead. Only one person is believed to have survived.

Families in Shock as News Filters In

The crash happened around 1.30 am IST, at a time when most passengers were asleep after a long day of pilgrimage. In a matter of moments, the bus was engulfed in fire, leaving little chance for escape.

For families back home in Hyderabad and across Telangana, the sudden news has been heartbreaking. Many relatives had spoken to the pilgrims just hours earlier, unaware that it would be their last conversation.

#WATCH | Hyderabad, Telangana | Bus accident in Saudi Arabia | Mohammed Tehseen, a resident of Hyderabad, says, "Seven members from my family went to Saudi Arabia...They went to Saudi Arabia last week...We request the Union Government to bring the bodies to India...They were... twitter/lXp4Vm2JU3

- ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2025

Local residents who rushed to the spot described a scene of chaos and devastation, with many victims believed to have died instantly. Saudi authorities are yet to release an official toll, but Indian officials say the situation is grim.

A Journey of Faith, Cut Short

The Telangana State Haj Committee confirmed that the passengers were almost entirely from Hyderabad, including 20 women and 11 children. They were on a spiritual journey many had saved for years to undertake.

Only one pilgrim is said to have survived, and their condition remains critical.

Helpline Numbers Activated as Families Seek Answers

With panic spreading among relatives, the Telangana government has set up a control room at the state Secretariat to offer immediate support. Officials are coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs and Saudi authorities to gather accurate information.

Emergency Helplines

• Saudi toll-free number: 8002440003
• Consulate General of India, Jeddah: 24×7 assistance available

Many families spent the morning making desperate calls, hoping for updates that might offer some sliver of hope.

In view of a tragic bus accident near Madina, Saudi Arabia, involving Indian Umrah pilgirms, a 24x7 Control Room has been set up in Consulate General of India, Jeddah. The contact details of the Helpline are as under:8002440003 (Toll free)012261409301266142760556122301...

- India in Jeddah (@CGIJeddah) November 17, 2025

India Expresses Condolences; Support on Ground

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he was“deeply shocked” by the tragedy. He assured that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah were extending all support to those affected.

Deeply shocked at the accident involving Indian nationals in Medinah, Saudi Arabia 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 CM Orders Immediate Coordination

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed grief and called the incident“deeply distressing.” He has instructed senior officials to collect complete details of the passengers and ensure that all necessary assistance reaches the families.

సౌదీ అరేబియాలో భారతీయ యాత్రికులతో ఉన్న బస్సు ఘోర ప్రమాదంపై ముఖ్యమంత్రి శ్రీ @revanth_anumula గారు తీవ్ర దిగ్బ్రాంతి వ్యక్తం చేశారు. మక్కా నుంచి మదీనా వెళ్తుండగా ఈ ప్రమాదం జరిగిందని, అందులో హైదరాబాద్ వాసులు కూడా ఉన్నారని వస్తున్న ప్రాథమిక సమాచారంపై వెంటనే స్పందించిన ముఖ్యమంత్రి...

- Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) November 17, 2025

The control room will remain active until authorities have clarity on the identities of the victims and further repatriation processes.

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