42 Indians die as bus, tanker collide and spark massive blaze in Saudi Arabia

The pilgrims, mostly from Hyderabad in Telangana, were returning from Makkah after completing their rituals and were en route to Medina.

At least 42 Indians have died after a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker and caught on fire near Madinah in Saudi Arabia on Monday night.

A video of the incident shows a massive fire erupt and engulf the bus, with no other vehicles in sight.

Fire brigades, rescue officials, and police are then seen arriving at the scene, Indian broadcaster NDTV reports.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday at a location identified as Mufrihat. The pilgrims were returning from Makkah after completing their rituals and were en route to Madinah. Local media said the passengers were sleeping when the bus caught fire, leaving them little to no chance to escape.

Most passengers on the bus were reportedly from Hyderabad in Telangana.

Only one person, identified as Mohd Abdul Shoiab, has survived. His condition, however, has yet to be confirmed.

Rescue and firefighting teams are engaged in containing the fire and identifying the victims.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar assured full support to the families of the victims.

"Deeply shocked at the accident involving Indian nationals in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are giving the fullest support to Indian nationals and families affected by this accident. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Pray for the speedy recovery of those injured," he wrote on X.