Forty-five Indian Umrah pilgrims are feared dead after a devastating bus crash in Saudi Arabia on Monday (November 17, 2025). The accident occurred nearly 25 kilometres before Medina, leaving only one survivor out of the 46 passengers onboard. The lone survivor is currently undergoing treatment, officials confirmed.
Government Reacts; Emergency Helpline Activated
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed profound shock over the tragedy and stated that constant communication is being maintained with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. Following reports from Saudi media about the fatal crash, he directed officials to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi authorities to ensure immediate support and relief for the affected families.
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has activated a 24×7 emergency control room. Families may contact the toll-free helpline number 8002440003 for assistance.
Local Leaders Step In
Nampally MLA Mohammed Majid Hussain announced that he will be travelling to Saudi Arabia to support the families of the deceased. Many of the victims hailed from the Nampally and Hyderabad regions.
Hyderabad Families Devastated: ‘I Told Them Not to Go Together’
Deep sorrow engulfed the Hajj House in Nampally as families gathered, anxiously waiting for updates. Papers, photos and emotions were held tightly as the scale of the tragedy sank in.
Syed, a resident of Ramnagar, lost 18 members of his family, spanning three generations. Struggling to speak through tears, he recalled urging them not to travel together. His elder sister, her children, and grandchildren — including nine children — were all killed in the accident.
Nationwide Condolences
Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep grief over the deaths, offering condolences to the bereaved families and wishing recovery for the injured.
Multiple Families Wiped Out
Among the victims were several members of the same households.
Relatives confirmed that Shaik Naseeruddin, his wife Akhter Begum, their children and daughter-in-law — all from Ramnagar in Musheerabad — left for Umrah with immense excitement but never returned.
Another family lost five members.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves across Hyderabad and the nation, as families await the return of their loved ones.