45 Telangana Umrah Pilgrims Killed in Saudi Arabia Bus–Tanker Crash

At least 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad died in a tragic collision between a bus and a diesel tanker near Mufrihat in Saudi Arabia early on the morning of October 17, while travelling from Mecca to Madinah.

Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar in Hyderabad confirmed that all 45 victims were residents of the city, including 20 women and 11 children and only one survived currently hospitalised. Emergency teams and local authorities quickly reached the site to conduct rescue and relief operations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the tragedy and said Indian authorities in Riyadh and Jeddah were providing all possible assistance to the affected families.

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has set up a 24x7 control room to assist affected families, with a toll-free helpline: 8002440003. A team of consulate staff and Indian community volunteers is stationed at various hospitals and sites to provide support.

The Telangana state government is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy to assist affected families. A control room has been set up at the Telangana Secretariat, with helplines 79979 59754 and 99129 19545 for relatives seeking information.

Many leaders, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, expressed grief over the tragedy and offered condolences to the bereaved families while praying for the swift recovery of the injured.