Mecca crane collapse
 | This article documents a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses, and initial news reports may be unreliable. The latest updates to this article may not reflect the most current information. |
| Date | 11 September 2015 |
|---|---|
| Location | Masjid al-Haram, Mecca, Saudi Arabia |
| Cause | During a storm, strong winds caused a crane to collapse |
| Deaths | 91+ |
| Non-fatal injuries | 184+[1] |
A mobile crawler crane collapsed onto the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, on 11 September 2015, killing at least 87 people, mostly pilgrims. The deaths came as the city was preparing for the annual Hajj, in which able-bodied Muslims from around the world go to the mosque to worship.[2][3][4]
Nine Indians and 16 Pakistanis have been injured according to reports.[5]
Mosque
The Masjid al-Haram is the largest mosque in the world and surrounds Islam's holiest place, the Kaaba, in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Muslims face in the direction of the Kaaba while performing obligatory daily prayers. One of the Five Pillars of Islam requires every Muslim to perform the Hajj pilgrimage at least once in his or her lifetime if able to do so, including circumambulation of the Kaaba.[6]
There have been many serious incidents during the Hajj over the years, causing the loss of thousands of lives.[7] To prevent stampedes and accommodate more pilgrims each year during the Hajj season, Saudi authorities undertook a major construction project to expand the mosque compound.[8]
Crane collapse
The Saudi Civil Defense authority confirmed that a crane collapsed through the ceiling of the mosque during strong winds created by a powerful storm. The collapse killed at least 87 people,[9] injured 184 and trapped many pilgrims under the debris.[1][10][11][12]
Witnesses reported that the crane fell on the third floor above Al-Safa and Al-Marwah at 5:45 pm local time.[13]
There have been strong sand storms in the region over the past week. The authority said an hour before the disaster that Mecca was experiencing medium to heavy rains. There were also reports of winds of more than 25mph. However the exact cause of the crane collapse was not confirmed.[14]
Following the accident the governor of Mecca, Prince Khaled al-Faisal, ordered an investigation into the incident. Search and rescue teams and medical workers from the Saudi Red Crescent were sent to the site. Pictures and video circulating on social media showed many dead and wounded amidst severe damage to the building.[1]
Reaction
Pakistan — Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed his "deep condolences on the sad demise of the pilgrims". He directed Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia to "extend every possible help to the injured and personally visit the patients in hospitals on his behalf".[15]
See also
References
- ^ a b c "At least 52 killed as crane crashes into Grand Mosque in Mecca". The Guardian. 11 September 2015. Retrieved 11 September 2015.
- ^ "Crane falls in Mecca's Grand Mosque, casualties reported". Daily Mail. 11 September 2015. Retrieved 11 September 2015.
- ^ "52 dead in crane accident in Mecca's Grand Mosque: Saudi reports". The Daily Star. 11 September 2015. Retrieved 11 September 2015.
- ^ "Crane falls in Mecca's Grand Mosque, casualties reported: Al Arabiya". Reuters. 11 September 2015. Retrieved 11 September 2015.
- ^ "9 Indians Among Nearly 200 Injured at Mecca's Grand Mosque". NDTV.com. 11 September 2015.
- ^ "At least 62 people dead and 30 injured at Mecca's Grand Mosque after crane collapses in high winds". Daily Mail. 11 September 2015. Retrieved 11 September 2015.
- ^ "Mecca no stranger to tragedy". USA Today. 11 September 2015. Retrieved 11 September 2015.
- ^ "At least 87 dead after crane accident in Masjidul Haram". Dawn. 11 September 2015. Retrieved 11 September 2015.
- ^ "Saudi officials: Crane collapse at Mecca Grand Mosque kills at least 62". The Washington Post. 11 September 2015. Retrieved 11 September 2015.
- ^ "Report: 52 Dead After Crane Crashes Into Mecca Grand Mosque". Newsweek. 11 September 2015. Retrieved 11 September 2015.
- ^ "Mecca crane collapse: 52 dead in Saudi Arabia". BBC News. 11 September 2015. Retrieved 11 September 2015.
- ^ "Crane collapse in Mecca kills at least 52". Fox News Channel. 11 September 2015. Retrieved 11 September 2015.
- ^ "Scores killed after crane crashes in Mecca mosque". Al Jazeera. 11 September 2015. Retrieved 11 September 2015.
- ^ "At least 87 killed as crane crashes into Mecca's Grand Mosque". Telegraph. 11 September 2015. Retrieved 11 September 2015.
- ^ "PM condoles death of pilgrims in Mecca crane crash". Samaa TV. 11 September 2015. Retrieved 11 September 2015.