Indian officials in New Delhi are in constant communication with Saudi authorities and the Indian missions as more information surfaces about the tragic bus accident involving Umrah pilgrims. The Telangana government has also confirmed that it is coordinating closely with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh.
According to early reports, at least 42 people are feared dead after a bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims met with a major accident while travelling from Mecca to Medina on Monday. Telangana chief minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed shock and said the state government is closely monitoring developments. Local Saudi media indicated that several Indian nationals were among the casualties, prompting Telangana authorities to intensify efforts to gather details.
Follow the latest updates below:
Nov 17, 2025 11:15 AM IST
At least 16 Hyderabadis among 42 charred to death near Medina
Preliminary information shared with authorities suggests that at least 16 residents of Hyderabad may be among the 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims who were charred to death after their bus caught fire near Medina. The pilgrims were en route from Mecca to Medina when the accident occurred. Indian missions in Riyadh and Jeddah are working with Saudi agencies to verify identities, while families in Hyderabad anxiously await official confirmation.
Nov 17, 2025 10:58 AM IST
Telangana sets up control room, begins collecting passenger details
The Telangana CMO announced that chief secretary Ramakrishna Rao has instructed resident commissioner Gaurav Uppal in New Delhi to gather information about all Telangana passengers onboard the ill-fated bus. A round-the-clock control room has been established at the State Secretariat to monitor the situation and coordinate updates.
Nov 17, 2025 10:49 AM IST
Owaisi expresses grief, urges Centre to repatriate bodies
AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and urged the Union government, along with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, to ensure the bodies of the deceased are repatriated swiftly. He also appealed for comprehensive medical support for the injured.
Nov 17, 2025 10:47 AM IST
Jaishankar ‘deeply shocked’ by Saudi bus accident
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said he was “deeply shocked” by the accident involving Indian nationals in Medinah. In a post on X, he stated that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are providing full support to affected families.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured.