Death Toll in Mecca Rises to 100 from Crane Crashing onto Mosque

RIYADH – At least 107 people have died and 238 were injured when a crane crashed onto the Grand Mosque in the sacred Islamic site of Mecca, according to the latest figures announced by the Saudi emergency management agency.

The grave accident, caused by the strong winds and rainstorm lashing the area, occurred when Mecca was preparing for the imminent hajj pilgrimage.

Numerous bloody corpses were stretched out on the floor of the mosque that was crowded with the faithful, a usual occurrence above all on a Friday, the Muslim’s holy day.

Dozens of ambulances rushed to the scene to evacuate the injured, while aiding with the rescue work were emergency management teams and personnel of the Red Crescent and the Health Ministry, which declared a maximum alert in all Mecca’s hospitals.

The crane that caused the massacre when it fell, breaking through the roof and falling on the worshippers inside the Grand Mosque, was used in the work of restoring the place of worship and expanding its premises that has been underway for the last four years.

The hajj pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the five pillars of Islam, together with the profession of faith known as the shahada, the giving of alms, prayer, and fasting in the month of Ramadan.