At least 45 Indian pilgrims were killed and one critically injured when their bus crashed near Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Medina on Monday, in one of the deadliest road accidents involving foreign worshippers in recent years.
The bus, carrying 46 passengers mostly from Hyderabad in Telangana state, was en route to Medina when the accident occurred in the Al-Akhal area, approximately 150 km from the city. Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar confirmed: “Only one person survived. The loss is heartbreaking.”
⚡️ 45 Indian pilgrims KILLED after bus crashes into fuel tanker in Medina — Al Jazeera
They were in Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrimage
Footage shows the vehicle completely engulfed in flames pic.twitter.com/R1Gnz3Nvkw
— RT (@RT_com) November 17, 2025
Saudi authorities have not yet released an official death toll or details on the cause, but preliminary reports suggest high speed and possible driver fatigue during the long journey from Mecca after Umrah.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief on X: “Deeply saddened by the accident in Medina involving Indian nationals. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance.”
You May Like To Read: Why China Will Never Surrender the South China Sea: A History of Strategy, Resources, and National Identity
India’s Ministry of External Affairs activated emergency protocols, with consular teams dispatched to coordinate with Saudi officials on identification, medical care for the survivor, and repatriation of remains.
Road accidents remain a leading cause of death in Saudi Arabia, with the kingdom recording one of the highest fatality rates among high-income nations, according to UN data. Overcrowded roads and long-distance pilgrim transport—especially during Hajj and Umrah seasons—have triggered multiple tragedies in the past, including a 2019 crash near Medina that killed 35 foreign pilgrims and a 2023 fire that claimed 20 lives near Mecca.
The incident underscores persistent safety challenges in Saudi Arabia’s pilgrimage infrastructure, even as the kingdom invests billions in Vision 2030 tourism and mega-projects, many built by Indian workers who form one of the largest expatriate communities in the Gulf.
India and Saudi Arabia maintain strong bilateral ties, with over 2.6 million Indian nationals residing in the kingdom and Saudi Arabia serving as India’s third-largest oil supplier.
The government has announced ex-gratia relief and is working to support affected families during this period of profound grief.
Check out our latest video:
