“Jumped Out of Window”: Hyderabad’s Lone Survivor Escapes Saudi Bus Inferno That Killed His Entire Family

Hyderabad, India & Medina, Saudi Arabia — November 17–18, 2025:
In a deeply tragic turn of events, Mohammed Abdul Shoaib, a 23-year-old from Hyderabad, emerged as the sole survivor of a fatal bus crash and inferno in Saudi Arabia that claimed the lives of 45 fellow pilgrims, including nearly his entire family.

The Tragedy Unfolds

• The bus was carrying a group of Indian Umrah pilgrims from Mecca to Medina when it collided with a diesel tanker around 1:30 a.m. local time, according to reports.
• The collision triggered a massive fire, engulfing the bus in flames.
• According to Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar, of the 46 people on board, 45 died and only Shoaib survived.
• Multiple sources say Shoaib broke a window to escape and jumped out just before the bus was consumed by fire.
• He sustained injuries — including burns — and is currently hospitalized.

Survivor’s Account & What Saved Him

• Shoaib’s alertness likely saved his life. According to Hindustan Times, he hadn’t slept well during the journey, prompting him to shift to a seat next to the driver — a move that put him in a more opportunistic position to escape when disaster struck.
• Seconds after the crash, he reportedly smashed the window. Along with the bus driver, he leapt out, narrowly escaping the fiery wreckage.
• He is now under medical care, with reports noting head injuries and treatment in the ICU in Medina.

Scale of Loss & Community Impact

• The victims included many from Hyderabad.
• Tragedy hit especially hard for one family: 18 members across three generations perished in the crash.
• The Telangana government has responded swiftly, setting up control rooms and coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah. Grief-stricken families in Hyderabad are struggling to come to terms with their loss, seeking answers and closure.

Reactions & Aftermath

• The Telangana Chief Minister has announced an ex-gratia payment for the victims’ families.
• The Indian government, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, has expressed deep regret and pledged full support to the bereaved families.
• Meanwhile, questions are being raised about the safety protocols of pilgrimage transportation, the handling of bus-tanker collisions, and how such a catastrophic fire could unfold so fast.

What’s Next

• Investigations are underway, with both Saudi and Indian authorities expected to probe the cause of the crash and fire.
• The Indian diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia is working to identify the victims’ bodies and coordinate with families for repatriation.
• Local Hyderabad leaders and community organizations are pushing for stricter regulation and safety checks for pilgrimage travel groups to prevent future disasters.