Tragedy Strikes Indian Umrah Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia; Consulate Establishes Support

A devastating bus accident in Saudi Arabia has claimed the lives of 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims, with the majority hailing from Telangana, according to multiple news agencies on November 18, 2025. The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, November 17, near Medina, sending shockwaves through both nations.

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah swiftly responded by establishing a camp office in Medina to provide immediate assistance to the affected families, as reported by The Hindu on Tuesday. This crucial step aims to facilitate support and coordination during this difficult time.

The ill-fated bus, carrying 46 pilgrims, collided with a diesel tanker on the Makkah-Madinah highway, subsequently erupting in flames, Arab News stated. This horrific collision left only one survivor, 24-year-old Mohd Abdul Shoiab from Hyderabad.

Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri personally met with the lone survivor, Abdul Shoiab, at a Medina hospital, confirming he is receiving the best possible medical care, The Hindu reported. The Consulate is closely monitoring his recovery and providing necessary support.

Most of the victims, numbering 42, were from Telangana, particularly Hyderabad, with some reports indicating that 18 members of a single family perished, according to ndtv. This profound loss has deeply impacted communities back home.

In response, the Telangana government announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to the families of each deceased pilgrim, Argus English reported. Additionally, it will arrange for two family members per victim to travel to Saudi Arabia to participate in the last rites.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound sadness over the tragedy, stating that Indian officials in Riyadh and Jeddah are providing all possible assistance, DD News confirmed. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also conveyed his condolences and assured full support to the affected families.

• The tragic accident unfolded approximately 25 to 40 kilometers from Medina on the Makkah-Madinah highway, a critical route for pilgrims, as detailed by Wikipedia. The bus, en route from Mecca to Medina, was carrying pilgrims who had completed their Umrah rituals.

• The collision with a diesel tanker led to the bus being engulfed in flames, making the identification of victims extremely challenging due to severe burns, Arab News reported. Rescue teams faced immense difficulties at the scene, highlighting the intensity of the fire.

• The Indian Consulate General in Jeddah immediately activated a 24x7 control room, providing helpline numbers to assist grieving families and coordinate with Saudi authorities, DD News confirmed. Similar control rooms were also established in Hyderabad and New Delhi to ensure comprehensive support.

• A high-level delegation from the Government of India, led by Andhra Pradesh Governor Shri Justice S Abdul Nazeer and MEA Secretary Arun Kumar Chatterjee, is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia to oversee relief measures, Hindustan Times reported. This delegation will work closely with Saudi authorities, including the Ministry of Haj and Umrah.

• The Telangana government's decision to provide financial aid and facilitate family travel underscores the significant impact of the tragedy on the state, Argus English noted. The option for families to either repatriate the remains or opt for burial in Saudi Arabia, according to religious customs, has also been offered.

• Road accidents remain a significant public safety concern in Saudi Arabia, despite efforts to reduce casualties, Wikipedia highlighted. This incident adds to a history of such tragedies, prompting renewed focus on pilgrim safety during religious journeys.

• The survivor, Mohd Abdul Shoiab, managed to escape by breaking a window and jumping out before the bus was fully consumed by fire, NewsBytes stated. His survival offers a glimmer of hope amidst the widespread devastation and loss of life.

• Families in Hyderabad gathered anxiously at the Hajj House in Nampally, seeking information about their loved ones, as reported by AP. The profound loss, particularly of entire families and multiple generations, has left many communities in deep mourning.