A bus carrying Umrah pilgrims caught fire in Saudi Arabia after colliding with a tanker lorry, killing 45 people, including 20 women and 11 children. Immigration officials in Hyderabad confirmed that most of the victims were from the city.

The crash occurred around 2300 hours local time, nearly 40 km from Madinah, when the bus, carrying 46 passengers, had stopped on the roadside and was struck by the tanker, triggering a powerful explosion.

According to Saudi authorities, one Indian national survived the crash. An investigation has been launched into the cause of the accident.

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah said a team of officers rushed to the accident site and to hospitals as soon as they were informed, and have since been coordinating with local officials and assisting families.

Consulate officials have also met the survivor and are working with hospital staff to ensure he receives adequate medical care.

The mortal remains of the deceased have been moved to King Fahad Hospital, King Salman Hospital, and Al Miqat Hospital in Madinah. The Consulate said it is committed to ensuring the swift handling of the remains in accordance with the wishes of families, who will have the option of repatriating their loved ones to India or opting for burial at Jannatul Baqi, a cemetery in Madinah.

Indian officials remain in contact with authorities in the Saudi Provincial Government, as well as the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Transport in Riyadh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident, extending his condolences to the bereaved families. “Deeply saddened by the accident in Medinah involving Indian nationals. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with Saudi Arabian authorities,” he said in a post on X.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar expressed deep shock, saying the Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah were providing full support to Indian nationals and their families. “Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he added.

Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said he was "shocked and deeply saddened" by the tragic accident. "My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families," Rijiju said in a post on X.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar confirmed that 45 people died in the accident, with only one survivor currently hospitalised.

Addressing reporters here, Sajjanar said a total of 54 people travelled to Jeddah from Hyderabad on November 9. They were scheduled to return on November 23.

Of the 54, four people travelled separately by car to Madina on Sunday, while another four stayed back in Mecca.

He added that they were supposed to return to Hyderabad on 23rd of November.

AIMIM MLA Majid Hussain said, "We have received information that over 40 people died in the accident, and we are coordinating with the families."