• Source:JND
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At least 42 Indian pilgrims are feared dead after a bus carrying Umrah travellers from Hyderabad collided with a diesel tanker on the highway between Mecca and Madinah early Monday, Saudi media reported. The impact triggered a massive fire, leaving most passengers charred beyond recognition and prompting a large-scale rescue operation in the desert stretch.

The incident occurred near an area locally known as Muhras/Mufrihat, roughly 160 km from Madinah. The travel group reportedly consisted of pilgrims from Hyderabad and other regions of Telangana who had booked their journey through private operators. Officials said many of the passengers were asleep when the collision occurred around 1.30 am IST, giving them little time to react as flames engulfed the vehicle.

Local media outlets, quoting emergency responders, described the scene as “beyond recognition”, with the vehicle completely charred. Rescue teams and nearby residents rushed to the spot, attempting to pull out survivors, but the intensity of the blaze made the operation extremely difficult. One person is believed to have survived, though their exact condition remains unclear.

Indian Consulate Issues Advisory

Amid rising concern among families back in India, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah announced that it has activated an emergency helpline. In an official communication, India in Jeddah (@CGIJeddah) posted: “In view of a tragic bus accident near Madina, Saudi Arabia, involving Indian Umrah pilgrims, a 24×7 Control Room has been set up in the Consulate General of India, Jeddah.”

The Telangana government said it is in touch with Indian diplomats in Riyadh. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has instructed officials in New Delhi and the state’s NRI wing to remain on constant communication with Saudi authorities.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed shock and offered condolences.  He confirmed that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are actively providing support to the affected Indian nationals and their families.

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi expressed deep concern over the tragedy and confirmed that he had spoken to Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. According to Owaisi, embassy officials are collecting detailed information from Saudi authorities and coordinating with local hospitals.

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Cause Of Accident Under Investigation

Although local media and rescue workers have estimated a high death toll, no final verified casualty figure has emerged from either the Indian government or Saudi authorities. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the involved travel agency have acknowledged the accident but declined to comment on the cause until investigations conclude.

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Saudi officials are investigating if driver fatigue, tanker malfunction, or poor visibility was responsible for the collision. The tragedy has cast a long shadow over what began as a deeply spiritual journey for dozens of pilgrims, now remembered instead for one of the most horrifying road accidents in the region, as families in Hyderabad anxiously await word from authorities.

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