Saudi arabia Bus crash Claims Lives of 45 Indian Umrah Pilgrims, Including Entire Three-generation Family
RIYADH – A devastating bus accident in Saudi Arabia has resulted in the deaths of 45 Indian pilgrims returning from Umrah, with an entire family of 18 – spanning three generations - among the victims. The tragedy underscores the risks faced by pilgrims traveling to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, and has plunged communities in India into deep mourning.
The group, originating from Hyderabad, India, was traveling by bus to Medina when the vehicle collided with a diesel tanker early Monday morning (November 17, 2025). The bus subsequently caught fire, leaving few opportunities for escape. The incident highlights the vulnerability of large groups undertaking religious journeys and raises questions about road safety for pilgrims.
According to reports from Gulf News and NDTV, the family lost comprised of nine adults and nine children. Relative Mohammed Asif identified the deceased as Naseeruddin (70) and his wife Akhter Begum (62), their son Salauddin (42), and their daughters Amina (44), Rizwana (38), and Shabana (40), along with their children. “My sister-in-law, like my brother-in-law, their son, three daughters and their children went for Umrah… they were on their way back to Madinah when the accident happened,” Asif told NDTV.
Syed Rashid, another relative, expressed regret for not urging a smaller travel group.”When I dropped them off at the airport on November 9, I never imagined it would be the last time. I told them not to take all the children. At least some would survive,” he shared with The Hindu.
The group of 54 pilgrims departed Hyderabad for Jeddah on November 9, 2025, with 46 traveling by bus to Medina and four by car.Four others remained in Mecca. Mohammad Abdul Shoeb (24) was the sole Indian survivor of the crash, having jumped from a window along with the driver.
Hyderabat City police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar confirmed the details in a press statement reported by BBC. Authorities are investigating the cause of the collision.