Tragic accident involving Umrah pilgrims sparks major rescue effort; Telangana govt sets up control room
At least 42 Indian pilgrims are feared dead after their bus collided with a diesel tanker near Medina in Saudi Arabia, according to multiple media reports.
The bus was carrying Umrah pilgrims, many of whom are reportedly from Hyderabad, Telangana. Authorities have reacted quickly — the Telangana government confirmed it is in contact with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and has set up a control room to coordinate with Saudi officials.
What Went Wrong
- The crash happened in the early hours, around 1:30 am IST, on a road between Mecca and Medina.
- After the collision, the bus reportedly caught fire, making rescue efforts difficult.
- Some eyewitnesses say many passengers were asleep when the accident occurred, leaving them little chance to escape.
Who Was On Board
Local reports suggest that women and children were among the 42 feared dead. The large number of Hyderabad-based passengers has led to a strong response from Telangana’s leadership, who are coordinating with diplomatic and local agencies for help.
Government Response
- The Telangana Chief Minister, A. Revanth Reddy, has asked state officials to work closely with India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy.
- A control room has been set up in Hyderabad to manage family queries and relocation of affected pilgrims.
- Indian authorities are working to confirm the identities of those missing and coordinate the repatriation of bodies.
Impact on Families and Authorities
- The incident highlights the risks faced by pilgrims traveling for Umrah — especially in long road journeys.
- It could put pressure on Saudi road safety regulations for pilgrim vehicles.
- The scale of the tragedy may also prompt the Indian government to revisit safety guidelines and insurance policies for overseas pilgrims.
