A tragic road accident occurred on the Medina–Mecca highway on 17  November 2025, involving a bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims. The bus reportedly collided with a fuel tanker, resulting in the death of Indian pilgrims.

Union Minister of Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju expressed deep shock over the tragic bus accident on the Medina–Mecca highway in Saudi Arabia that claimed the lives of Indian pilgrims. Shri Rijiju extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are also in touch with the Saudi Haj and Umrah Ministry, and other local authorities. The Consulate General of India (CGI), Jeddah, is closely monitoring the situation and is extending all required consular assistance, including hospital support and facilitation of essential formalities.The CGI has  set up a camp office at the Indian Hajj Pilgrims Office in Medina to assist the families of the Indian nationals who lost their lives in the accident. Additionally, the Consulate has activated a toll-free helpline number to support the families of the deceased pilgrims, urging family members to reach out for immediate support.

Ministry of Minority Affairs is in touch with Indian Embassy officials who are gathering more details & extending all possible assistance. The Haj Division of the Ministry of Minority Affairs is in continuous touch with CGI, Jeddah.

CEO, Haj Committee of India,(HCoI) has been deputed to Jeddah to assess the situation on the ground and to coordinate follow-up actions with the CGI. The Ambassador of India in Riyadh is also overseeing the matter and remains in continuous contact with the concerned authorities. Further CEO HCoI in Mumbai has been coordinating with Telangana Haj Committee regarding the incident. CEO HCoI is presently in Jeddah to coordinate with CGI for follow up actions on the tragic incident.

*****

AK/MR