BANGKOK, 12 September 2015 – At least 107 people were killed and 238 were wounded when a crane toppled over a mosque in Mecca filled with haj pilgrims. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand confirmed that no Thai nationals were among the dead, however, said two of them were injured.
The incident took place on Friday when a crane smashed into the part of the Grand Mosque where worshippers circle the Kaaba – the black-clad cube towards which the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims face to pray.
It was fortunate enough that no Thai nationals were killed, but two Thais were taken to a hospital with no serious injuries.
According to local sources, the crane was brought down by strong winds and storm.
There have been a number of construction projects in the holy city of Mecca over the past few years. They are aimed at enlarging the Grand Mosque and its surrounding courtyards.
Mecca is Islam’s holiest site. Pilgrims from around the world have been converging on the city and the mosque for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which starts on September 21.
