Horror as bus smashes into diesel tanker sparking huge explosion with passengers trapped

At least 42 Indian nationals were killed early Monday when a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker on the highway between Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia.

The crash occurred around 1:30 am IST, and the bus caught fire after impact, leaving many passengers trapped inside.

Most of the victims are believed to be from Hyderabad.

The group had completed the Umrah pilgrimage in Mecca and was returning to Medina when the accident happened.

Many passengers were asleep at the time of the collision.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who is currently in Russia, expressed deep shock and offered condolences.

He said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are providing full support to affected families. 

"Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are giving the fullest support to Indian nationals and families affected by this accident," he said. "Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Pray for the speedy recovery of those injured," Jaishankar added.

Meanwhile, helpline numbers have been issued for relatives seeking information, and a 24-hour control room has been set up in Jeddah.  

The Indian Consulate confirmed that Saudi authorities, including the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, are coordinating with Indian officials and local Umrah operators. 

Volunteers from the Indian community are assisting at hospitals and other locations where survivors have been taken.  

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy voiced sorrow over the tragedy, noting that several citizens from Hyderabad were among the victims. 

"The road accident in Saudi Arabia has caused deep shock. The news that several Telangana residents who had gone on a pilgrimage to Mecca have died in this incident has caused deep sorrow," Reddy said 

"I have instructed the Chief Secretary and DGP of the state government to immediately speak to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and Embassy officials to inquire about the well-being of our people and take relief measures," he added 

He said the state government is in close contact with Indian officials in Riyadh and New Delhi.  

"The government will stand by the affected families. I urge them to be brave," Reddy concluded.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also conveyed condolences, describing the accident as horrific and pledging continued communication with embassy representatives to support families.  

"I'm shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic bus accident on the Medina–Mecca highway in Saudi Arabia that claimed the lives of Indian pilgrims," Rijiju said.

"We are in touch with our Embassy officials who are gathering more details & extending all possible assistance. 

My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers for strength in this difficult time," he added.

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi urged the Indian government to ensure the swift repatriation of the victims’ bodies. 

He said he had spoken with travel operators and embassy officials to share passenger details and coordinate assistance.  

Authorities have not yet released the identities of those killed.