• Source:JND
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Saudi bus accident: 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 tragedy unfolded near a desert stretch locally known as Mufrihat or Muhras, which is around 160 km from Madinah.

Eyewitness footage from the scene shows a towering flame engulfing the bus as rescue teams, fire brigades, and police vehicles arrive minutes later.

Pilgrims Were Asleep When Flames Spread

Local media reported that the collision occurred at around 1:30 am IST when the bus carrying Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad and other nearby districts in Telangana rammed into the diesel tanker. The impact caused the tanker to burst and instantly triggered a massive blaze, consuming the bus in minutes.

Passengers, including 11 women and 10 children, were reportedly asleep at the time and could not escape the inferno. Authorities are still verifying the final toll as several victims were charred beyond recognition.

Emergency responders described the scene as “extremely grim and unrecognisable”, with the bus reduced to a steel frame. Rescue teams and nearby residents attempted to pull survivors out, but the intensity of the fire left them with very little time. Only one person is believed to have survived, though officials have not disclosed their identity or condition.

Indian Mission Sets Up 24x7 Control Room

The group had reportedly booked their Umrah trip through private tour operators in Hyderabad. Telangana authorities said they were coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to confirm identities and make arrangements for families.

State government officials said they were awaiting a detailed casualty list and were prepared to assist the families of the victims. 

ALSO READ: Indian Worker Shot Dead In Saudi Crossfire, Sent Final Plea To Wife For Help: ‘Bullet Meant For Someone Else Hit Me’

As distress calls poured in from worried families across India, the Indian Embassy issued a statement expressing “deep condolences” and assured full support. The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has opened a 24x7 control room for queries:

•8002440003 (Toll-free)

•0122614093

•0126614276

•0556122301 (WhatsApp)

The Embassy said both the Riyadh mission and Jeddah Consulate were in “continuous coordination with Saudi authorities” to manage identification, documentation, and further procedures.

ALSO READ: 42 Indian Umrah Pilgrims Feared Dead In Saudi Arabia Bus-Tanker Collision; Telangana Govt In Touch With Embassy

Because of the extent of the burns, authorities said the process of identifying bodies may take time. Forensic teams are working with emergency responders to match remains with available records.

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