At least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims were feared dead after a passenger bus travelling from Mecca to Medina collided with a diesel tanker in Saudi Arabia early Monday, according to media reports.

The crash, which occurred at nearly 1.30 am IST, reportedly caused the bus to catch fire while most passengers were asleep.

Visuals of the bus crash showed massive flames on the vehicle.

Preliminary information cited in media reports suggests that a majority of the victims were from Hyderabad, including several women and children.

Rescue operations were underway through the night, with locals rushing to the spot to assist those critically injured.

Media reports also suggest that more than 40 passengers may have died on the spot, though an official casualty count was awaited.

Later, the Indian E

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