42 Indian pilgrims feared dead after horrific bus–tanker crash near Medina

Medina Road Disaster: 42 Indian Pilgrims Feared Killed in Bus–Tanker Crash

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: November 17, 2025

Summary: A bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims caught fire after crashing into a tanker near Medina, leaving dozens feared dead.

A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Saudi Arabia when a bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker near Medina. Early reports state that around 42 people may have lost their lives. Most of them were reportedly from Hyderabad, and many families back home are still trying to figure out whether their loved ones were on that bus.

The crash happened in the early hours as the group was travelling from Mecca to Medina. The impact was bad enough, but what made things even worse was that the bus caught fire soon after the collision. Rescue teams rushed in, but the flames made it difficult to save people trapped inside.

Women and children are among those who may have died, adding to an already tragic situation. It's one of those moments that grabs your attention: a peaceful and spiritual pilgrimage turns into something unthinkable.

Back home, the Telangana government promptly established a control room to assist families in gathering information and communicating with officials. The Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia is also helping local officials to identify casualties and determine what transpired.

Right now, there are still many unanswered questions, and families are stuck in that painful wait for clarity. It’s a moment that reminds you how fragile travel can be, especially during long-distance pilgrimages.