A tragic bus fire near Madina killed over 45 Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad after a collision with an oil tanker. Authorities confirmed only one survivor as Telangana set up a control room and offered full support for families and identification processes.
In a devastating tragedy, at least 45 Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad lost their lives after a bus carrying them caught fire following a collision with an oil tanker near Madina, Saudi Arabia, late Sunday night. Officials confirmed that the accident occurred approximately 25 kilometres from Madina, leaving only one survivor from the Hyderabad group.
According to Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar, the lone survivor, identified as Mohammed Abdul Shoaib, is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Saudi Arabia. His condition remains critical but stable, officials said. The Commissioner noted that a group of 54 pilgrims had departed Hyderabad for Jeddah on November 9, with a return scheduled for November 23.
After completing the Umrah pilgrimage rituals in Mecca, the group began their journey to Madina. However, tragedy struck when the bus collided with an oil tanker on the desert highway. The collision resulted in a massive blaze that engulfed the entire vehicle within minutes, giving the passengers little chance to escape.
“Four pilgrims stayed back in Mecca and four others travelled to Madina in a car. The bus was carrying 46 pilgrims at the time of the accident,” Commissioner Sajjanar explained. The victims include 17 men, 18 women, and 10 children, many of whom hailed from the neighbourhoods of Asif Nagar, Jhirra, Mehdipatnam, and Toli Chowki in Hyderabad.
Initial reports indicated 45 deaths, but Minister for Minority Welfare Mohammed Azharuddin suggested that the toll could be 47–48, as some bodies are burnt beyond recognition. “According to the information we have received so far, around 47 to 48 people may have died in this tragic incident,” he said.
Control Room Set Up for Families
To support grieving families in Hyderabad, the Telangana government has immediately set up a control room at Haj House. The help centre will operate round-the-clock to provide verified information, logistical support, and guidance to relatives of the deceased and injured.
Minister Azharuddin assured that the state government will make arrangements to send one family member of each deceased pilgrim to Saudi Arabia. “If they do not have passports, the government will arrange them on priority,” he confirmed. He also noted that many victims’ bodies were completely charred, making identification extremely difficult.
DNA Testing Likely for Identification
Because the fire severely damaged many remains, authorities are considering DNA testing to confirm identities before issuing formal certificates. Saudi authorities, along with the Indian Consulate, are coordinating the forensic processes needed to handle the situation.
“I have spoken to the Indian Consul General,” the minister said. “He has assured me that arrangements will be made for the burial of the victims in Saudi Arabia. It is customary for pilgrims who die there to be buried locally.”
State Government Extends Full Support
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed officials to provide full assistance to the affected families. In a statement, the Chief Minister expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and instructed departments to expedite all paperwork, including travel documents, death certificates, and communication with Saudi authorities.
The Telangana government is also coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and India’s diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia for repatriation of belongings, legal processes, and counselling assistance for families in Hyderabad.
A Community in Mourning
The tragedy has sent shockwaves across Hyderabad, especially in the old city areas where many of the victims lived. Neighbours, relatives, and local leaders gathered outside homes to offer condolences, while community organisations began relief efforts for affected families.
Religious leaders also expressed shock, calling the tragedy one of the worst accidents involving Indian Umrah pilgrims in recent years. Many families had reportedly saved for months or years to send their loved ones on the pilgrimage.
Kerala and Karnataka Pilgrims Reported Safe
Though social media rumours initially raised concerns about other Indian pilgrims, officials confirmed that no groups from Kerala or Karnataka were involved in the incident. The tragedy appears to be limited to the Hyderabad-based group.
As families continue to wait for official confirmation about their loved ones, the Telangana government urged the public not to rely on unverified information circulating online. The control room will be issuing hourly updates until the identification process is completed.
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The Saudi authorities are conducting a detailed investigation into the cause of the collision and the extent to which the oil tanker contributed to the rapid spread of flames.
