A crane collapse at a mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, has killed over 87 persons and left at least 201 wounded in what is best described as a chaotic situation.
The casualties from the incident are rising, the Saudi Civil Defense authority says.
Images from the location show what is left of the wreckage following the incident in which a red crane crashed and knocked the mosque down through its roof, the BBC reports.
The Guardian says the governor of Mecca region, Prince Khaled al-Faisal, has started an immediate inquiry into the incident.
Reuters say the crane collapse is most likely as a result of unstable weather conditions, as the Saudi city has been disturbed by heavy sand storms lately.
According to an Al Jazeera correspondent, the crash occurred just before the 6:30PM prayer, and the mosque in question was filled to capacity. Tens of ambulances were seen driving to the crash site, even as the people around looked aggrieved.
The holy city of Mecca is presently making plans for the annual Muslim Hajj pilgrimage, which starts later this month, with a great population expected to make it to the Saudi City from across the world.
See images from the scene below:
Emergency teams and ambulances seen at the scene of the crain collapse. Credit: AP
Emergency/ Medical workers from the Saudi Red Crescent attending to victims. Credit: Getty Images
Crane plunging into the Grand Mosque. Credit: AP
Reuters say the crane collapse is most likely as a result of unstable weather conditions, as the Saudi city has been disturbed by heavy sand storms lately.
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