Medina bus tragedy: 45 Indian pilgrims dead, only one survivor; here’s everything that has happened so far
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What happened in Saudi bus accident today
In the early hours of Monday Nov 17 2025, a bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims crashed into a diesel tanker near Mufrihat on the highway between Badr and Medina in Saudi Arabia causing a massive fire and catastrophic loss of life according to multiple media reports and official updates. The bus was reportedly completely gutted and many passengers were believed to be asleep at the time of impact which may have delayed self rescue.
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Where the bus was going and who was on board
The bus was traveling on the Badr to Medina corridor commonly used by Umrah pilgrims who visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina for non Hajj pilgrimages. Reports indicate the passengers were mostly Indian nationals with many from Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana traveling as part of organized Umrah tour groups.
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Timeline of the tragic accident
- Around 1:30 am IST on Nov 17: The collision occurred near Mufrihat between Badr and Medina.
- Minutes later: The bus caught fire after impact with the tanker.
- Shortly after: Saudi civil defence and police reached the site and began rescue and fire control.
- Same day morning: A 24×7 control room has been set up by the Indian Consulate General in Jeddah for families, reportedly active for families of affected pilgrims to seek information and assistance. Toll-free helpline: 800 244 0003.
- Same day: The Telangana Chief Minister, A. Revanth Reddy, has ordered top state officials (Chief Secretary, DGP) to coordinate with MEA and the Saudi Embassy, collect details (especially how many of the pilgrims were from Telangana), and provide relief and support.
- The Government of Telangana opened a control room at Telangana Bhavan, New Delhi, for assisting the families of the victims in the bus accident. Helpline numbers: +91 79979 59754 and +91 99129 19545.
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Survivors and casualties report
According to PTI, the Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar confirmed that 45 people have died and 1 person survived the crash with injuries requiring urgent care. Identification is challenging because the bus was badly burned and authorities are matching available documents and travel manifests with forensic procedures before public confirmation to families.
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Response from Indian Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister on the mishap
- The External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar expressed deep shock and stated that the Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are extending full support to families and local authorities and are working on identification, medical assistance and repatriation.
- Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi expressed grief over the bus accident in Medina, stating that 42 Indian pilgrims traveling from Mecca to Medina were on the bus, with only one survivor. He said he had contacted the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and shared passenger details to ensure authorities are gathering information. He urged the Union Government, particularly External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, to facilitate the repatriation of the deceased and ensure proper medical treatment for any survivors.
- The Prime Minister issued a condolence message expressing his sorrow and deep condolences to the bereaved families and directed officials to coordinate with Saudi counterparts for support to survivors and swift repatriation of mortal remains.