24 Indonesian Umrah Pilgrims Escape Bus Fire Incident Near Madinah
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Twenty-four Indonesian Umrah pilgrims narrowly escaped injury after a bus conveying them caught fire along a highway near Madinah on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
The incident occurred approximately 50 kilometres from the city centre as the pilgrims were travelling from Makkah to Madinah.
According to Indonesian authorities, all passengers were safely evacuated before the fire spread, with no fatalities or physical injuries recorded.
Indonesia’s Consul General in Jeddah, Yusron Ambary, confirmed the development, stating that the driver detected a tyre burst followed by smoke emerging from the front section of the vehicle.
Acting swiftly, the driver pulled over and instructed all passengers to disembark immediately.
The timely intervention ensured that all 24 occupants exited the vehicle before it was fully engulfed in flames.
Emergency response measures were subsequently activated, while replacement transport was arranged to convey the pilgrims to their destination.
Most of the affected pilgrims are reported to be from West Sumatra, Indonesia, while the driver is an Egyptian national.
Although no injuries were sustained, all luggage and personal belongings left inside the bus were destroyed in the fire.
However, officials confirmed that all passports were recovered intact and undamaged.
Preliminary investigations point to a mechanical fault as the likely cause of the incident, with no indication of reckless driving.
The Consulate General of Indonesia in Jeddah has commenced follow-up actions, including monitoring the situation and engaging the transport operator over possible compensation.
Officials from the consulate’s protection team have since met with the group in Madinah to assess their welfare and provide support.
The pilgrims are currently in stable condition at their hotel, although some children experienced mild psychological distress.
They are scheduled to return to Indonesia on March 31 aboard a Garuda Indonesia flight.
