Traffic accident in Saudi Arabia | ARY News 6 PM Prime Time Headlines | 26th July 2025

Major Traffic Accident in Saudi Arabia | ARY News 6 PM Headlines | 26 July 2025

In a tragic incident that has gripped international attention, a major traffic accident occurred on the Mecca-Jeddah highway in Saudi Arabia, leaving at least 18 people dead and dozens more injured. The news was reported during the 6 PM Prime Time Headlines on ARY News, sparking grief and concern across the Pakistani and South Asian communities, many of whom have family or loved ones residing in the Kingdom.

According to the initial reports broadcasted by ARY News on 26th July 2025, the accident involved a passenger bus carrying pilgrims returning from Umrah and several heavy vehicles, including a cargo truck and a fuel tanker. The collision reportedly occurred around 3:45 PM local time, resulting in a chain reaction due to high-speed impact and poor visibility from dust and high temperatures.

Saudi Civil Defense and emergency response units reached the site within minutes. Helicopters were seen airlifting critical patients to King Abdulaziz Hospital in Jeddah, while others were treated on-site. The scale of the incident prompted an immediate inquiry by local authorities. Saudi traffic police suspect the combination of excessive speed and brake failure in one of the trucks may have triggered the tragedy.

Of the 18 fatalities reported, five were confirmed to be Pakistani nationals. The Pakistani embassy in Riyadh has issued a statement expressing sorrow and confirming efforts to coordinate with Saudi authorities for the repatriation of bodies and medical care for survivors. "Our prayers are with the victims and their families. We are in touch with local hospitals to ensure our citizens receive proper care," the embassy spokesperson said.

Families back in Pakistan were seen gathering outside travel agencies and airlines, desperate for information. ARY News interviewed relatives of the passengers in Karachi and Lahore, many of whom were preparing to welcome their loved ones home from pilgrimage. “We were just arranging a welcome dinner. Now we are calling hospitals in Jeddah,” shared one devastated father whose son remains in critical condition.

Saudi authorities have launched a formal investigation and have pledged to release a detailed report within the coming days. King Salman has expressed condolences to the victims' families and has ordered all necessary medical aid to be extended to those injured. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also announced a temporary hold on inter-city pilgrimage transportation for 48 hours as safety measures are reassessed.

This accident has once again highlighted the dangers of road travel during peak pilgrimage seasons, particularly under extreme summer heat, which often exceeds 45°C. Experts say that more rigorous checks on commercial vehicles and tighter regulation of highway traffic during religious gatherings could help prevent such disasters in the future.

Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister also responded to the tragedy, offering support to the grieving families and stating, “This is a moment of profound sadness. We stand with our brothers and sisters in Saudi Arabia during this difficult time.” He also directed Pakistani consulates in Jeddah and Riyadh to provide immediate consular assistance.

ARY News concluded its 6 PM bulletin with a somber reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of road safety reforms. Viewers across the region responded with an outpouring of sympathy and prayers on social media, turning this heartbreaking event into a shared moment of mourning and unity.

As families await final word on their loved ones, and governments work together to respond with compassion and urgency, one thing is clear: this tragedy will not be forgotten soon.