Tragedy in Saudi Arabia: 42 Indians Feared Dead As Bus Travelling From Mecca To Medina Collides With Tanker – Major Loss of Lives Reported

Tragedy in Saudi Arabia: 42 Indians Feared Dead As Bus Travelling From Mecca To Medina Collides With Tanker, Massive Fire Leaves Dozens Killed

In a devastating incident, at least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims are feared dead after a passenger bus travelling from Mecca to Medina collided with a diesel tanker in Saudi Arabia. The tragic accident took place early Monday around 1.30 am IST and resulted in a massive fire that engulfed the bus while most passengers were reportedly asleep. The collision turned the vehicle into a fireball within moments, leaving rescue teams and local residents scrambling to save lives.

Horrific Scene as Bus Erupts Into Flames

Visuals Show Intense Blaze

Initial visuals circulating in the media revealed the bus completely engulfed in flames, illuminating the dark highway. According to preliminary reports, the majority of the passengers were from Hyderabad, including women and children who were returning after performing Umrah.

Most Victims Believed to Have Died On the Spot

Media reports indicated that more than 40 passengers may have died instantly due to the impact and the fire. However, an official and verified casualty tally is still awaited. Only a few critically injured passengers were rescued before the flames intensified.

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Overnight Rescue Efforts and Local Support

As soon as the accident occurred, rescue teams, along with local residents, rushed to the site to help the injured. Despite the intensity of the fire, several individuals managed to pull out survivors and provide emergency aid. The rescue operations continued throughout the night, with authorities working tirelessly to recover bodies and assist those in critical condition.

Indian Embassy Activates 24×7 Control Room

Helpline Issued for Families

The Indian Embassy in Jeddah announced the launch of a 24×7 emergency control room to support families and coordinate rescue and repatriation efforts. A helpline number—8002440003—has been shared for families seeking information about their relatives.

Officials Coordinating With Local Authorities

Deputy Chief of Mission in Riyadh, Abu Mathen George, confirmed that embassy officials were closely monitoring the situation and gathering verified details from Saudi authorities.

Leaders Express Grief and Call for Urgent Action

Hyderabad MP Owaisi Seeks Repatriation Support

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi expressed deep shock and shared that he had contacted two Hyderabad-based travel agencies for passenger details. He highlighted that early inputs suggested only one possible survivor, though this remained unconfirmed. Owaisi appealed to the Union Government to expedite the repatriation process and ensure medical care for the injured.

EAM Jaishankar Assures Full Assistance

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar issued a statement expressing sorrow and confirming that both the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah were providing complete support to affected families.

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Telangana Leaders Demand Swift Relief Measures

BRS working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) also expressed grief, calling it “extremely heartbreaking” that so many Hyderabadis had lost their lives. He urged the state government to coordinate immediately with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure better treatment for survivors and comprehensive support for the families of the deceased.

Need for Immediate Action and Support

As investigations continue, families in India anxiously await official updates and identification details of victims. With the majority of the passengers reportedly from Hyderabad, state and central authorities are working together to ensure relief, repatriation, and medical assistance. This tragic accident serves as a grim reminder of the risks faced by pilgrims and the need for strict adherence to travel safety standards in the region.

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