Bus crash in Saudi's Medina leaves Indian pilgrims dead, injured

• A bus crash involving Indian pilgrims occurred near Medina, Saudi Arabia.
• Prime Minister Modi expressed condolences and offered support to victims.
• Dozens may have died, but official tolls are not yet confirmed.

A bus crash involving Indian pilgrims occurred overnight near the holy city of Medina, Saudi Arabia, the Indian embassy reported on Monday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences to the families affected and pledged support for those injured.

“Deeply saddened by the accident in Medina involving Indian nationals. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones,” Modi wrote on X. He added, “I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured. Our Embassy in Riyadh and consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance.”

Indian media reports suggest that dozens may have died in the incident, though authorities have yet to release an official casualty figure.

Transporting worshippers around Saudi Arabia’s holy sites has historically been risky. During the hajj, traffic congestion and chaotic road conditions have contributed to fatal accidents. Millions of visitors also arrive for the umrah pilgrimage outside the hajj season.

Similar tragedies have occurred in the past. In March 2023, a bus carrying pilgrims to Mecca caught fire after a collision on a bridge, killing 20 and injuring more than two dozen. In October 2019, 35 foreign pilgrims died when a bus collided with another heavy vehicle near Medina.

Pilgrimages are an important part of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, which the kingdom hopes will diversify its economy away from fossil fuels. India and Saudi Arabia maintain close ties, with more than two million Indian nationals working in the Gulf nation and contributing significantly to mega-projects while sending billions in remittances back home. Saudi Arabia also ranks as India’s third-largest petroleum supplier, underscoring the strategic partnership between the two countries.