42 Indian Umrah Pilgrims Killed in Madinah Bus Tragedy; Names of Victims Released
Srinagar: A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Saudi Arabia after a passenger bus carrying Umrah pilgrims from Mecca to Madinah went up in flames following a collision with a diesel tanker. As per initial confirmations received by Indian authorities, at least 42 Indian pilgrims have died, including 16 from Hyderabad, leaving families devastated across Telangana and other states.
The accident took place around 1:30 am IST near Mufrihat, roughly 160 km from Madinah. The bus was carrying 43 passengers, and only one survivor has been traced so far. Saudi Civil Defence teams rushed to the scene, but the fire spread so rapidly that most passengers were charred to death within minutes.
The group had reportedly left Hyderabad on November 9 for Umrah. According to travel operators, the passengers included 20 women and 11 children, many of whom were travelling together as families. They had completed their religious rituals in Mecca and were on their way to visit Madinah when disaster struck.
Local reports say the collision with a diesel tanker resulted in an instant explosion, trapping passengers inside the burning vehicle.
Telangana IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu confirmed that 16 residents of Hyderabad, mostly from the Bazarghat–Mallepalli area, are believed to be among the victims. Authorities are working to verify the full list of deceased.
The victims from one Hyderabad travel group reportedly include: Mohammad Manzoor (50), Zaheen Begum (19), Shaukat Begum (57), Farheen Begum (43), Zakia Begum (47), Mastan Mohammad (55), Parveen Begum (35), Sohail Mohammad (23), Abdul Mohammad (24), Mohammad Maulana (62), Abdul Mohammad (57), Ghousiya Begum (46), Shehnaz Begum (41), Rahmat Bee (80), and Raheem Unnisa (60).
Families in Hyderabad have been gathering through the night at travel agency offices, hoping for official confirmation or some sign of survivors.
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said he has contacted the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, which has begun coordinating with Saudi authorities. He appealed to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to ensure the bodies are brought back to India at the earliest, and that survivors, if any, receive immediate medical care.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy called the incident “unimaginably painful” and has directed senior officials to liaise with the central government and the Saudi Embassy.
A control room has been set up in Hyderabad for families seeking information:
Emergency Helpline Numbers:
- 📞 +91 79979 59754
- 📞 +91 99129 19545
Saudi Civil Defence, police, and Indian Embassy officials are working jointly on the difficult task of identifying the remains. Many bodies have been severely burned, and officials warn the process may take time.
Across Hyderabad’s Bazarghat and Mallepalli neighbourhoods, emotional scenes were reported as relatives waited for official updates. Many had last spoken to their loved ones just hours before the tragedy.
Travel agency officials said the group had been excited to visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah after completing Umrah rites.
ProKashmiri.in will continue to follow the story: We will update this report continuously as official confirmations, identification details, and repatriation plans emerge.
