In the early hours of Monday, 17 November 2025, a passenger bus transporting pilgrims from Mecca to Madinah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia collided with a diesel tanker near the locale of Mufrihat. According to multiple media sources, the bus caught fire after the impact.

Preliminary reports indicate at least 42 Indian pilgrims are feared dead, with some sources reporting the toll may be as high as 45. The victims are largely from the city of Hyderabad in Telangana, India.

The collision occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. IST while the bus was en route on the Mecca-Madinah highway. Reports state that a single survivor has been found and is receiving medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.

Government Response

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah have established a 24-hour control room to assist families of the victims. Helpline numbers have been issued for urgent support. The Telangana state government has also announced a Special Control Room and is coordinating with local authorities to support the next-of-kin of the pilgrims.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his "deep sorrow" over the incident and assured full support and coordination with Saudi authorities.

What This Means

This tragedy underlines the risks pilgrims face while travelling even after arriving in the Holy Land. While safety standards for pilgrimage transport are generally high, any road-incident carries the potential for tragic outcomes. For the many families awaiting information and the victims still unaccounted for, this is a moment of profound grief and uncertainty.

At Umrah My Trip / Musafir Services, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of all those affected. We pray for the departed souls and for strength and patience to those suffering in this hour of pain.

What You Should Know (For Families & Travellers)

• If you have family travelling on this route, contact the Indian Consulate helpline immediately.
• Verify the list of missing and injured via official Government portals and state-control rooms.
• Stay updated: as of now, authorities are identifying victims and preparing for repatriation of remains.
• Travellers are advised to maintain vigilance in transport arrangements, stick to licensed operators, and keep contact details of their brokers/organisers handy.

Our Commitment

As a trusted pilgrimage-service operator, Umrah My Trip is committed to safety, transparency and full support. We are reviewing our partner-vehicular operators, ensuring compliance with Saudi transport regulations and will update our clients and their families promptly in case of any incident. Our team is on standby to assist affected families.