Who Is Mohd Abdul Shoiab? The lone survivor of the Saudi Arabia bus crash that killed 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims

In the middle of one of the deadliest road accidents involving Indian Umrah pilgrims in recent years, a single life emerged from the wreckage — 24-year-old Mohd Abdul Shoiab, the sole survivor of the horrific bus–tanker collision near Medina that killed 45 Indian nationals early Monday.

According to sources, Shoiab, a resident of Hyderabad, had been seated near the driver when the bus travelling from Mecca to Medina rammed into a diesel tanker around 1.30 am (IST).

The impact triggered a massive explosion, engulfing the vehicle and leaving only one survivor. Shoiab was rushed to a nearby hospital, though his condition remains unknown.

Officials believe around 46 people were on board at the time of the crash. The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has set up a control room and is coordinating emergency assistance for families, while the Embassy in Riyadh is supporting ongoing identification and repatriation efforts.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, currently in Russia, expressed “deep shock” and conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased, adding that Indian missions were providing “fullest support” to those affected.

Back home, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy directed top officials to gather complete details, establish contact with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy, and ensure immediate assistance.

A dedicated control room has also been set up at the state secretariat to support families of the victims, including those from Hyderabad.

As authorities work through the aftermath of the tragedy, the story of Shoiab — the only person to make it out alive — is emerging as the central human focus of a disaster that has devastated dozens of families.