Hyderabad: At least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad are feared dead after a bus travelling from Mecca to Medina crashed into a diesel tanker in Saudi Arabia early Monday morning.

The accident took place around 1.30 a.m. Indian time in an area identified as Mufrihat. According to initial reports, the bus caught fire immediately after colliding with the tanker, leaving almost no time for passengers to escape. Many of those on board were women and children who were asleep when the crash occurred.

Local reports suggest that a large number of the passengers were from Hyderabad in Telangana. Families back home have been trying to contact authorities as they wait for confirmation about their loved ones.

The Telangana government has set up a control room and is coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh to gather accurate details. Officials have been instructed to stay in constant touch with Saudi authorities and assist families seeking information.

Rescue teams in Saudi Arabia are working at the crash site and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the collision. The final number of casualties and survivors is still being verified.

Repatriation of the bodies and support for injured survivors will begin once formal procedures are completed. Meanwhile, families of the pilgrims have been advised to contact the helplines opened by the state government for updates and assistance.