Bus carrying Umrah pilgrims crashes near Medina, 42 killed

At least 42 people, many of them Indian nationals, have been killed after a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker on the route from Mecca to Medina in Saudi Arabia.

The crash occurred in the early hours of Tuesday near the area of Mufrihat. According to reports, most of the pilgrims on the bus were from the Hyderabad region of Telangana, India. The group was travelling to Medina after having completed their rituals in Mecca.

Local media reported that the bus burst into flames upon impact. It is believed many passengers were asleep at the time, leaving them little chance to escape. The blaze completely charred the vehicle, making identification of the victims extremely difficult.

Among the deceased are at least 11 women and 10 children, though authorities are still verifying the final toll. One survivor, Mohd Abdul Shoiab, has been hospitalised, but his condition remains unknown.

In response, the Telangana government has established a control room and is in close contact with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi confirmed he is liaising with embassy officials and has requested the central government's assistance in repatriating the bodies and ensuring medical care for the injured. Reports indicate that around 16 of the victims had travelled with two Hyderabad-based pilgrimage agencies.