MECCA (SW): As authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) investigate the tragic crane-crash at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, different countries are seeking to confirm identity of the deceased pilgrims.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs (MoHRA) has confirmed the death of one Afghan citizen and 29 more have been reported injured in the crash that claimed at least 107 lives. The deceased Afghan citizen has been identified as Niaz Gul, resident of Kalakan district, Kabul.
According to the MoHRA, out of 29 injured Afghan nationals, 18 have been discharged after treatment while the rest remain under care at an hospital.
Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal has ordered an immediate inquiry into the disaster. Accordingly, a committee has been set up to investigate the tragedy.
Pakistan has confirmed that 47 of its nationals were injured in the crane crash.The Bangladesh Consulate in Jeddah told Arab News that 25 Bangladeshis were injured. Two Indians, both from Kerala, were killed and 15 others injured when a massive construction crane crashed into Mecca's Grand Mosque leaving more than 100 people dead, India’s External Affairs Ministry said today.
Malaysian media reported that six Malaysians were among the injured.
KSA’s Civil Defence deployed more than 15 teams in addition to officials from the Saudi Red Crescent Authority and their vehicles.
Here is a list to similar deadly accidents that claimed lives during Hajj in the past (via The Guardian).
- 2006: More than 360 pilgrims are killed in a stampede at the desert plain of Mina, near Mecca, where pilgrims carry out a symbolic stoning of the devil by throwing pebbles against three stone walls.
- The day before the hajj began, an eight-story building being used as a hostel near the Grand Mosque in Mecca collapsed, killing at least 73 people.
- 2004: A crush of pilgrims at Mina kills 244 pilgrims and injures hundreds on the final day of the hajj ceremonies.
- 2001: A stampede at Mina during the final day of the pilgrimage ceremonies kills 35 hajj pilgrims.
- 1998: About 180 pilgrims are trampled to death in panic after several of them fell off an overpass during the final stoning ritual at Mina.
- 1997: At least 340 pilgrims are killed in a fire at the tent city of Mina as the blaze was aided by high winds. More than 1,500 were injured.
- 1994: A stampede during the stoning ritual at Mina resulted in 270 deaths.
- 1990: The worst hajj-related tragedy claims the lives of 1,426 pilgrims in a stampede in an overcrowded pedestrian tunnel leading to holy sites in Mecca.
ENDS
