Saudi Bus Accident: PM Modi Mourns Loss Of Lives, Jaishankar Assures Support After Tragedy Kills 42 Indians

Last Updated:November 17, 2025, 12:29 IST

The victims, many reportedly from Hyderabad, were travelling from Mecca to Medina when their bus collided with a diesel tanker in the early hours of Monday.

42 Indian Pilgrims die in Saudi Bus Accident (Photo: X)

The bus accident in Saudi Arabia that claimed the lives of at least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims has sparked an outpouring of grief, concern and urgent appeals for support from Indian leaders. The victims, many reportedly from Hyderabad, were travelling from Mecca to Medina when their bus collided with a diesel tanker in the early hours of Monday, causing a massive fire while most passengers were asleep.

Official X account of Consulate General of India, Jeddah posts, “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: Toll free number-8002440003."

Owaisi urges centre to act swiftly

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi responded emotionally to the tragedy, describing the accident as “heartbreaking and extremely distressing." Soon after news emerged, Owaisi said he immediately reached out to officials in Riyadh for clarity and assistance.

“Forty-two Hajj pilgrims travelling from Mecca to Medina were on a bus that caught fire," Owaisi said. He confirmed that he had spoken to Abu Mathen George, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, who assured him that information was being collected and relief steps were underway.

The MP added that he had also contacted two Hyderabad-based travel agencies, sharing the passengers’ details with the Embassy and the Foreign Secretary to accelerate identification and assistance.

Calling on the Union Government and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, Owaisi urged swift arrangements to bring the bodies back to India and ensure proper medical care for the injured. He emphasised that the families of the victims, particularly those from Hyderabad, needed immediate support and clear communication.

Jaishankar assures support to affected families

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described the incident as deeply tragic, extending condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the injured.

“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," he posted on X.

His message underscored that the government was monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with local authorities in Saudi Arabia.

KTR calls for state-centre coordination

Former Telangana Minister K T Rama Rao (KTR) also reacted strongly, calling the deaths of several Hyderabadis “extremely heartbreaking." He urged both the state and central governments to act decisively and compassionately.

KTR said that immediate priority must be given to ensuring proper medical treatment for the injured, especially as the accident involved a collision with a fuel tanker that caused severe burns.

Highlighting reports that many victims were from Hyderabad, he appealed to the state government to work closely with the Ministry of External Affairs to expedite relief and repatriation efforts.

He also stressed the need for the government to stand firmly with the families, identify all the deceased without delay, and provide every possible form of assistance.

As authorities in Saudi Arabia continue their investigation and rescue operations, Indian officials are working to confirm identities and coordinate the return of the deceased.

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