Hyderabad pilgrims among 45 dead in Saudi bus tragedy as massive repatriation effort underway

A tragic road accident near Medina claimed the lives of at least 45 Indian nationals , most of them Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad , after their bus collided with an oil tanker in the early hours of Monday. The collision, which occurred around 1:30 am (IST) roughly 25 km from Medina , caused the bus to burst into flames, leaving only one survivor who is currently hospitalized.

According to Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar , the group comprised 54 pilgrims who left for Jeddah on November 9 for a two-week pilgrimage and were scheduled to return to Hyderabad on November 23. While four pilgrims chose to travel separately to Medina on Sunday, and another four stayed back in Mecca, 46 people were on board the ill-fated bus when it collided with the oil tanker . Preliminary assessments indicate that 45 of them perished.

Families in Hyderabad told PTI that they initially received distressing calls from Saudi Arabia reporting that the bus “ went up in flames ” following the impact. The sole survivor is said to be in serious condition and is receiving treatment at a local hospital, with consular officials closely monitoring his recovery.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling it “heart-wrenching” and extending condolences to the affected families. “My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of those injured,” he posted on X, assuring that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are providing all necessary assistance in coordination with Saudi authorities.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju described the incident as shocking. Jaishankar noted that Indian missions in Saudi Arabia are offering the “fullest support” to the victims’ families, especially in the complex process of identifying bodies, completing legal formalities, and arranging repatriation.

Political leaders across the country echoed similar sentiments. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy , Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu , and Tamil Nadu CM M. K. Stalin expressed condolences. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged the Centre to ensure close coordination with the affected states so that families receive timely support.

In a show of support, the Telangana Cabinet has approved an ex‑gratia payment of ₹5 lakh for the next of kin of each person who died in the Saudi bus accident.The state has also decided to deploy a team led by Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin to Saudi Arabia to coordinate with local officials and assist the bereaved.

In Hyderabad, AIMIM MLA Majid Hussain said that initial information points to over 40 deaths, adding that the party is assisting bereaved families. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi conveyed deep anguish and appealed to the External Affairs Minister to expedite the repatriation of bodies and ensure continued medical attention for the injured survivor.

The next steps involve an extensive consular and legal process in Saudi Arabia. Indian officials are working with local authorities to identify the deceased , complete post‑mortem and police formalities mandatory in cases of unnatural death and secure permissions for repatriation. Saudi procedures require multiple clearances, including documentation from police, governorate approvals, exit permits, and embalming certificates, which may cause delays. To assist families, the Consulate in Jeddah has set up a 24×7 helpline at +966 12 653 1760 , while the Telangana government has activated support channels at +91 79979 59754 and +91 99129 19545 for relatives awaiting updates.

As relatives grapple with the enormity of the loss, officials anticipate that repatriation may take several days, depending on the pace of Saudi investigations and administrative procedures. Meanwhile, the Indian government has assured that all efforts are being made to bring the mortal remains home with dignity and provide every possible support to the families devastated by this tragedy.