A catastrophic bus accident near Medina in Saudi Arabia has claimed the lives of 45 Indian pilgrims, leaving only one known survivor, Abdul Sohaib (also spelled Shoaib), a 24-year-old resident of Hyderabad, who is currently receiving medical care in a Saudi hospital ICU.
How the Accident Happened
The group was traveling from Mecca to Medina when their bus collided with an oil tanker about 25 kilometers outside Medina, triggering a massive explosion and fire that engulfed the vehicle within minutes. According to multiple reports from authorities and survivors’ families, the fire spread rapidly, giving passengers almost no time to escape.
Abdul Sohaib: The Lone Survivor
Abdul Sohaib was seated near the driver when the collision occurred. In a critical moment, he managed to break open a window and jump out seconds before the bus was engulfed by flames. He sustained injuries during his escape and is now in the intensive care unit at a hospital in Madinah. Shortly after the accident, Sohaib called relatives in Mecca to inform them of the tragedy, in which he lost multiple family members including his parents, grandfather, and his uncle’s family.
Official Statements from India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences over the incident, assuring the bereaved families that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance and are in close contact with Saudi authorities. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described the tragedy as “deeply shocking” and confirmed that control rooms have been established to coordinate relief and assistance. The Telangana state government also set up a control room to support affected families, and arrangements are being made to send family representatives to Saudi Arabia if needed.
Official Statements from Saudi Arabia
Saudi authorities, through formal communication with the Indian consulate, confirmed their cooperation for the investigation and relief efforts. The Saudi Haj and Umrah Ministry is coordinating with Indian officials to provide updates on hospitalizations, identification of victims, and repatriation logistics. The Indian Mission in Jeddah set up a camp office in Medina to facilitate continued assistance.
Relief and Assistance Measures
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Indian officials have activated 24×7 control rooms for inquiries.Consulate and embassy staff are helping with paperwork, hospitalization, and coordination for the return of victims’ remains.
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The Telangana government, local leaders, and community organizations are supporting affected families and keeping communication open with authorities in Saudi Arabia.
Summary Table
| Incident Detail | Information & Source |
|---|---|
| Date/Location | Near Medina, Saudi Arabia |
| Number of Indian Fatalities | 45 |
| Number of Survivors | 1 (Abdul Sohaib from Hyderabad) |
| Cause | Bus collided with oil tanker, burst into flames |
| Survivor’s Escape | Broke window, jumped out seconds before fire |
| Status of Survivor | Hospitalized, critical condition |
| Indian Official Response | Embassy/Consulate assistance, PM/MEA condolences, control rooms activated |
| Saudi Official Response | Full cooperation, updates promised |
The families of the deceased and the nation mourn this tragic loss, while efforts are ongoing to ensure proper care, dignified repatriation, and support for survivors and affected families
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