Reacting to the Mecca tragedy, President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his condolences to the global Islamic community and directed relevant Nigerian agencies to ensure safety and well-being of all Nigerian pilgrims. The message was posted on the Facebook page of President Buhari’s senior special assistant, Garba Shehu.
With less than two weeks left until the annual Hajj pilgrimage, the Saudi Arabian Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, is filled with worshippers from all over the world. Yesterday, a huge red construction crane crashed into it. Latest reports indicate at least 107 people have been killed, and over 230 sustained injuries, with the numbers likely to grow in the following days.
Indonesian, Indian, Iranian and Egyptian citizens are said to have lost their lives during the freak accident.
The fallen crane
An investigation has been launched to look into the reasons behind the collapse and assess the general damage. Officials say a stormy weather is to blame, as international correspondents add concerns had been previously raised over safety measures on Saudi construction sites.
The disaster will not stop the annual Hajj exercise that is to start on September 21, as up to two million people are expected to arrive at the site.
The Grand Mosque is currently surrounded by 15 large cranes amid major redevelopment work. The crane in question belongs to a German crane company operated by the Bin Laden family’s consortium, who are heading the expansion of the Holy Mosque for it accommodate over two million people at once.
Masjid al-Haram is the largest mosque in the world and surrounds Islam’s holiest place, the Kaaba.
The fallen crane
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