Heavy casualties feared, the local media report
ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-Nov 17th, 2025) A tragic road accident in Saudi Arabia on Monday morning left dozens feared dead after a bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims collided with an oil tanker on the Makkah–Madinah highway, Arab media reported.
According to initial details, the bus was transporting 42 pilgrims—mostly from Hyderabad in the Indian state of Telangana—when it rammed into an oil tanker. The impact triggered a massive blaze, engulfing both vehicles. Women and children were also among the passengers.
Rescue teams from Saudi civil defence immediately launched relief operations; however, the intensity of the fire has raised concerns of significant loss of life. The exact number of casualties has yet to be confirmed by Saudi authorities.
Indian politician Asaduddin Owaisi, citing preliminary information, stated that 41 passengers may have died in the incident. He added that the Indian government is in contact with Saudi officials, though no official statement on the death toll has been released so far.
The authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.
