Tragic Bus-Tanker Collision Claims Lives of 45 Indian Umrah Pilgrims Near Medina

Special Report: Jameel Aahmed Milansaar


Medina, Saudi Arabia – In a devastating accident early Monday, November 17, 2025, a bus carrying 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims en route to Mecca collided with a diesel tanker on the Medina-Mecca highway. The collision caused a massive fire that engulfed the bus, resulting in the tragic deaths of 42 pilgrims, largely women and children, with only one survivor reported.

The victims, primarily from Hyderabad and the surrounding region in Telangana, India, were asleep during the accident around 1:30 am IST, leaving little chance for escape. Identification efforts are ongoing, with 16 victims officially identified and some publicly named. The names released by authorities so far include Abdul Mohammed, Mohammed Moulana, Sohail Mohammed, Mastan Mohammed, Parveen Begum, Zakiya Begum, Shoukat Begum, Farheen Begum, Zaheen Begum, Mohammed Manzoor, Mohammed Ali, and Ghousiya Begum. Their remains are being kept in Madinah for forensic analysis and preparations for repatriation.

Indian and Telangana officials are coordinating closely with Saudi authorities, providing support to the victims’ families and managing the repatriation process. The Telangana government has established control rooms for assisting families awaiting updates on their loved ones.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President have expressed deep condolences to the families and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing all possible assistance during this tragic time.

This heartbreaking incident is a grim reminder of the risks faced by pilgrims undertaking the sacred journey of Umrah. Authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the collision and are working on measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The Indian community mourns the loss of the 42 souls whose spiritual journey ended in this tragic accident in Saudi Arabia. More details will be reported as the situation develops.