Saturday, June 13, 2026
ADVT 
National

Over 65 Killed As Crane Falls On Mecca's Grand Mosque

Darpan News Desk IANS, 11 Sep, 2015 10:38 AM
    Over 65 people were killed after a crane collapsed on to the Grand Mosque in the Saudi Arabia's holy city of Makkah, which is preparing for the Annual Haj.
     
    At least 65 people have been killed and at least 30 injured, reported the BBC, citing the Saudi civil defence authority.
     
     
     
     
    It was raining heavily at the time. Few other details are available. Images from the scene showed part of a huge red crane had crashed through the roof of the mosque.Mecca is preparing for the annual Muslim Hajj pilgrimage.
     
    Construction work has been going on at the Grand Mosque for years to make it big enough to cope with the huge numbers of people who come each year.
     
     
    The incident occurred as hundreds of thousands of Muslims gather from all over the world for the annual hajj pilgrimage set to begin later this month, and Saudi authorities go to great lengths to be prepared for the millions of Muslims who converge on Makkah.
     
    The Grand Mosque is usually at its most crowded on Fridays, the Muslim weekly day of prayer.
     
     
     
     
    Last year, the kingdom reduced the numbers permitted to perform haj for safety reasons because of construction work to enlarge the Grand Mosque.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Three Private Bills Up For Final Vote On Last Day Before Senate Rises

    Three Private Bills Up For Final Vote On Last Day Before Senate Rises
    The government used its majority in the Senate to shut off debate and force a final vote on Bill C-377 that's set for later today.

    Three Private Bills Up For Final Vote On Last Day Before Senate Rises

    Fabric Stamp From Canada Post Honours Canadian Flag's 50th Anniversary

    Fabric Stamp From Canada Post Honours Canadian Flag's 50th Anniversary
    Canada Post created the large, nine by 14 centimetre stamp as the Maple Leaf flag marked its 50th anniversary earlier this year.

    Fabric Stamp From Canada Post Honours Canadian Flag's 50th Anniversary

    SIU Identifies Drowned Man In Ottawa As Suspect In London Cellphone Death

    SIU Identifies Drowned Man In Ottawa As Suspect In London Cellphone Death
    The Special Investigations Unit says the body has been identified as Muhab Sultanaly Sultan, 23, who went into the Rideau River last week, fell under and never surfaced.

    SIU Identifies Drowned Man In Ottawa As Suspect In London Cellphone Death

    FIFA: Talent Level At Women's World Cup Higher Than It Was Four Years Ago

    FIFA: Talent Level At Women's World Cup Higher Than It Was Four Years Ago
    The sport's governing body expanded the field at the 2015 Women's World Cup to 24 teams from the 16 that participated in Germany four years ago, and despite some lopsided scores in the group stage officials are confident the move was the right one.

    FIFA: Talent Level At Women's World Cup Higher Than It Was Four Years Ago

    Decision On Mount Polley Mine Reopening Is Imminent, Says B.C. Mines Minister

    WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — British Columbia's energy minister says a gold and copper mine that shut down last year after its tailings pond collapsed could be back up and running in a matter of days.

    Decision On Mount Polley Mine Reopening Is Imminent, Says B.C. Mines Minister

    Patrick Brazeau's Assault Trial Adjourned Until Mid-september

    Patrick Brazeau's Assault Trial Adjourned Until Mid-september
    GATINEAU, Que. — The assault trial of suspended senator Patrick Brazeau has been adjourned until mid-September.

    Patrick Brazeau's Assault Trial Adjourned Until Mid-september