Saudi Bus Crash: 54 Indians Were Scheduled to Travel, 8 Survived After Choosing Private Transport

At Medina, Saudi Arabia, the news of the dreadful incident involving a diesel tanker and a bus that had been carrying Umrah pilgrims crashing head-on and bursting into flames left at least 45 people feared dead. In a moving twist of fate, the same bus had 54 Indian pilgrims booked for the unfortunate journey. But, when allured with a last-minute opportunity to travel in private, eight of those 54 opted for the alternate means of transport. Thus, these eight alone were saved.

One leading official from Hyderabad remarked that all pilgrims had arranged their journey to Medina from Mecca via the same travel company.

He confirmed, “Fifty-four people booked with the same travel agent. Eight opted for private transport. We received a list of the remaining 46 and are verifying details with the Saudi Arabian authorities.”

He said that both the central and state governments had put in place evacuation procedures.

A control room was set up immediately after the fateful crash occurred in the early hours of Monday.

A devastating crash near Medina.

The accident happened at around 1:30 am IST when the bus hit a diesel tanker, leading to a massive fire. Local media reported that most passengers were asleep when the unlucky incident took place, making it close to impossible for anyone to escape.

In all likelihood, around 42 of the fatality victims could well be Indians, most of whom in the early reports were from Telangana. So far, there have been no confirmations as to the state of only one survivor, Mr. Mohd Abdul Shoiab.

The rescue workers confirm that the bus was entirely charred and are finding it extremely difficult to identify the burnt bodies.

Emergency Helplines Activated

In order to help families, contact on relevant hotlines:

The Indian Consulate in Riyadh will provide these Indian Missions' control room numbers:

Indian Consulate, Jeddah (24×7): 8002440003

Indian Embassy, Riyadh: 779236771

Telangana Control Rooms: +91 7997959754, +91 9912919545

Both the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are in close contact with the Saudis.

Indian Leaders React With Shock and Condolences

Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar communicated unparalleled sorrow:

"Deeply shocked at the accident involving the Indian nationals at Medina. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are giving full support to all affected. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and assured assistance from the Indian side.

"Deeply saddened by the accident in Medina involving Indian nationals. … Our officials are in close contact with Saudi Arabian authorities and providing all possible help."

The global reality had shaken those in India and more particularly within the state of Telangana, where the victims are from. As authorities are taking more and more efforts in the identification of the dead and in providing processes to the families of the affected, the accident leaves an indelible mark—reminding all concerned of the death challenge faced by travelers to Saudi Arabia for religious purposes.