Tragic Bus Crash in Saudi Arabia Claims Lives of Indian Pilgrims from Hyderabad: Owaisi Responds

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday stated he is aware many people from his Lok Sabha constituency, Hyderabad, were involved in a road accident in Saudi Arabia.

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Over 40 people have reportedly died after a bus transporting Indian pilgrims from Mecca to Medina caught fire following a collision with a diesel tanker near Mufrihat.

"I just received information that 42 pilgrims from two Hyderabad travel agencies were traveling from Mecca to Medina when their bus caught fire. Though unconfirmed, it appears only one person has survived," Owaisi told ANI.

He added, "I spoke with Abu George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, who assured me they are gathering information. I also contacted the two Hyderabad-based travel agencies and shared passenger details with both the Riyadh Embassy and the Foreign Secretary."

#WATCH | Delhi | On the bus accident in Saudi Arabia, Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi says, "...Forty-two Hajj pilgrims who were travelling from Mecca to Medina were on a bus that caught fire...I spoke to Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the Indian Embassy in… https://t.co/oiPCgAz4tZ pic.twitter.com/jTuf2kCZPf

— ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2025

A viral video shows massive flames engulfing the bus.

42 Indian Pilgrims Feared Dead in Saudi Arabia After Bus-Tanker Collision pic.twitter.com/Je4e401CYa

— NDTV (@ndtv) November 17, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sadness regarding the accident.

"My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with Saudi Arabian authorities," he posted on X.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he was "deeply shocked".

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

Deeply shocked at the accident involving Indian nationals in Medinah, Saudi Arabia. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are giving fullest support to Indian nationals and families affected by this accident. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Pray for the…

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 17, 2025

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah described it as a "tragic" bus accident and established a 24x7 control room. They also released a helpline number: 8002440003.