Breaking: 42 Umrah pilgrims feared dead in Saudi auto crash

A devastating accident early Monday has left 42 Umrah pilgrims feared dead after their bus collided with a diesel tanker and caught fire on the Makkah-Medina highway near Muhras (also reported as Mufrihat), approximately 160 km from Medina.

Life in Saudi Arabia page reports that the pilgrims were travelling from Makkah to Medina when the collision occurred at around 1:30 am IST, a time when most passengers were believed to be asleep. The impact triggered a massive fire that engulfed the bus, leaving it “completely gutted” and severely complicating identification of the bodies.

Initial reports indicate that among the deceased may be 11 women and 10 children, though final confirmation awaits forensic identification. Only one person is believed to have survived, and their condition remains uncertain.

Rescue teams arriving at the site described horrific visuals: a burnt-out bus, charred remains, and only fragments of belongings scattered across the highway. The intense fire, fueled by the tanker’s diesel, left little chance for escape.

Authorities from Saudi Civil Defense and the Red Crescent swiftly began recovery operations, while the road was closed for several hours.

The tragedy has prompted immediate action from Indian authorities.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah have activated 24/7 emergency helplines and are coordinating with Saudi officials for identification, repatriation of remains, and assistance to survivors.