VP, PM condole loss of lives of Indian pilgrims in Medina bus accident

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condoled the loss of lives in the bus accident involving several Indian Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia’s Medina.

Around 40 Indians, most of them from Telangana, were on board the bus which reportedly collided with an oil tanker at around 1:30 am (IST).

In a social media post, Radhakrishnan said he was deeply pained by the tragic road accident.

“My thoughts are with the affected families during this difficult time. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he said.

Deeply pained by the tragic road accident near Medinah, Saudi Arabia, involving Indian nationals. My thoughts are with the affected families during this difficult time. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.

— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) November 17, 2025

In a post on X, Modi said, “Deeply saddened by the accident in Medinah involving Indian nationals. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones.”

“I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured,” he said.

Deeply saddened by the accident in Medinah involving Indian nationals. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance. Our…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 17, 2025

The prime minister said the Indian embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance and officials are also in close contact with Saudi Arabian authorities.

Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said he was "shocked and deeply saddened" by the tragic bus accident.

"My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families," Rijiju said in a post on X.

I'm shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic bus accident on the Medina–Mecca highway in Saudi Arabia that claimed the lives of Indian pilgrims.

We are in touch with our Embassy officials who are gathering more details & extending all possible assistance.

My heartfelt…

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) November 17, 2025