The huge construction crane, pounded by strong winds and rain, buckled and crashed through the roof of the Grand Mosque, killing the worshippers. Construction work was ongoing to enlarge the Grand Mosque.
Due to the huge number of people reaching Mecca every year on Hajj, construction activity to accommodate and service more people at the Grand Mosque is a regular affair.
Reportedly, Saudi Arabia reduced the permissible number of Hajj pilgrims last year, citing safety reasons due to the construction work at the Grand Mosque.
The tragedy comes barely a month before the annual Haj Pilgrimage, when millions of faithful from all the over the world congregate inside Mecca.
Reportedly more than 3 million Muslims are expected to attend the pilgrimage beginning on September 21. The Hajj at Mecca is one of the biggest yearly worshipers of people in the world.
According to an Al Jazeera correspondent, “the crane fell on the third floor of the Grand Mosque around 5.45pm.”
Reportedly the mosque was packed, even though the incident occurred just before the 6.30 p.m. Friday prayer.
RT News quoted a Saudi Interior Ministry official saying “at least 154 more people were injured in the incident.”
Photos circulated on social media, with media outlets show blood-covered bodies scattered on a marble floor. Hajj pilgrims in bloodied robes amid debris under the impact of the crane that crashed through a ceiling.
Despite efforts to improve safety and provide easy access, the Hajj pilgrimage at Mecca is prone to accidents. Death due to stampedes is common as pilgrims rush to complete the rituals. In 2006, at least 345 pilgrims died in a stampede during the last day of the hajj.
Saudi officials always remain alert to avoid accidents during the stoning ritual, which falls on the last day of the pilgrimage.
The ritual takes inspiration from the story of Ibrahim’s stoning of the devil. Reportedly he was stopped at the three locations by the devil wanting to discourage him from following God’s order to sacrifice his son, Ismael.
According to reports, “Saudi authorities have built a five-level structure around the three sites, allowing for a smooth flow of pilgrims.”
