Overview
- Reports put the death toll at about 42–45 after a bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims collided with a fuel tanker near Madinah, triggering a fire.
- Most victims were from Hyderabad and wider Telangana, with women and children among the dead and reports of multi-generation losses, including 18 from one family.
- One passenger survived and is under treatment in Madinah as authorities work to identify severely charred remains, with DNA testing likely in some cases.
- India’s consulate in Jeddah and Telangana authorities have opened 24x7 helplines and control rooms to support families and coordinate documentation and logistics.
- Telangana announced ex-gratia aid, travel facilitation for relatives and deployment of a state minister in Saudi Arabia, with burials in the kingdom planned once kin arrive.