Over 40 Indian Pilgrims Dead in Saudi Bus Crash: Media reports

On 17 November 2025, a tragic bus accident occurred in Saudi Arabia. A bus carrying Indian pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker while traveling from Mecca to Medina. Early reports suggest that over 40 people may have died in the crash.

Most passengers were from the Indian state of Telangana. The bus caught fire after the collision, making rescue operations very difficult. Authorities are still trying to confirm the exact number of casualties.

Response from Indian Authorities

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the incident. He ordered an immediate investigation and asked security forces to provide assistance.

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said the bus had 42 Hajj pilgrims on board. He is in touch with Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, to get details about the accident. Owaisi requested that the Indian government and Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar help bring the bodies back to India and provide proper medical care to the injured.

The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has opened a 24×7 helpline for families affected by this tragedy.

This accident is particularly distressing because many pilgrims from Telangana, including women and children, were traveling on the bus. Pilgrimage trips in Saudi Arabia involve long journeys between holy sites, often at night, which increases the risk of accidents.

Authorities in both India and Saudi Arabia are investigating the cause of the crash. Families of the pilgrims are waiting for updates and support.