A bus carrying Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad crashed into a diesel tanker near Madinah, leaving at least 42 feared dead. Telangana government and Indian consulate activate emergency helplines.

A devastating road accident near Madinah has left at least 42 Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad feared dead, after their bus collided with a diesel tanker early Monday while travelling from Makkah to the holy city.

The group, which reportedly included women and children, had completed their pilgrimage rituals in Makkah and were en route to Madinah when the crash occurred. Many of the victims are believed to be residents of Mallepally, Bazarghat and Tappa Chabutra, according to early inputs shared with Siasat.com.

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has activated a 24×7 control room to assist affected families, while the Telangana government has opened dedicated helplines at the Secretariat. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has asked senior officials to coordinate with the Central Foreign Office and Saudi authorities to obtain full details of those affected.

Analysis: The scale of the tragedy has sent shockwaves through Hyderabad, especially neighbourhoods with strong ties to the Gulf. With overseas travel among pilgrim groups increasing, the incident underscores the need for safer transport arrangements and real-time support systems for Indian citizens abroad. The state’s rapid activation of helplines may offer some relief, but families back home now face an anxious wait for confirmation and assistance.