Dozens of Indian Pilgrims Killed in Tragic Bus Fire Near Medina

A heartbreaking tragedy has struck India’s pilgrim community after forty five Indian nationals were killed when their bus caught fire near the city of Medina in Saudi Arabia. The devastating incident, confirmed by Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar, has left families in deep shock as authorities work to support those affected.

According to officials, the bus was carrying forty six passengers at the time of the accident. Only one man survived and is receiving intensive care at a local hospital. Most of the victims were residents of Hyderabad in the southern Indian state of Telangana. They had traveled to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, a pilgrimage to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina that can be undertaken at any time of the year.

The Telangana government said the pilgrims were on their way from Mecca to Medina when the accident occurred. Early reports suggest an oil tanker may have been involved, though detailed information about the cause has not yet been released. Police and emergency teams responded quickly, but the intensity of the fire left little chance for rescue.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow in a message posted on X, saying he was profoundly saddened by the loss of life. He added that Indian authorities are coordinating closely with officials in Saudi Arabia to provide assistance. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah have both activated help lines and are offering full support to affected families.

In Hyderabad and Jeddah, control rooms have been set up to guide and support relatives seeking information. The news has triggered an outpouring of grief across Telangana, where many families are anxiously waiting for updates.

Asaduddin Owaisi, a member of India’s parliament representing Hyderabad, told news agency ANI that he has requested urgent federal assistance to bring the remains of the deceased back to India. He emphasised that families are devastated and need government support during this difficult time.

Commissioner Sajjanar explained that a group of fifty four pilgrims left Hyderabad for Jeddah on nine November. Four remained in Mecca for additional prayers, while another four reached Medina by car. The remaining forty six pilgrims chose to travel together by bus, unaware of the tragedy ahead.

In the hours following the accident, several grief stricken families spoke to the media. Among them was Mohammed Tehseen, a Hyderabad resident who lost seven relatives in the disaster. He said he learned the news from a phone call by his relative Shoaib, the only survivor from his family, who is currently recovering in hospital.

As India mourns the heavy loss, efforts are under way to identify the victims, coordinate repatriation and provide emotional and logistical support to families enduring unimaginable grief.