No South Africans injured amid fears death toll may rise in Mecca tragedy

THERE were no South Africans among 111 people who died when a construction crane collapsed at Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mosque on Friday, the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) said yesterday.

The tragedy, which left about 331 people injured, occurred during stormy weather and high winds in the holy city of Mecca.

Saudi authorities were yesterday fearing that the death toll could rise.

The incident occurred two weeks before the start of the Hajj pilgrimage, when about 2 million Muslims from across the globe are expected to converge on Mecca.

“Heavy rain and strong winds of unusually high speed led to the uprooting of trees, the fall of panels and the collapse of the crane. The number of deaths may increase,” said Suleiman al-Amr, Saudi director-general of the Civil Defence Authority General.

Dirco spokesperson Nelson Kgwete said there were no “new developments” in terms of South Africans who may have been affected.

“The South African consulate in Jeddah is monitoring the situation in Mecca following the accident. Thus far no reports have been received of any South African citizens affected by the accident,” said Kgwete.

Sabq Online reported that Saudi authorities had announced that the results of investigations into the incident were available.

The report of the findings would first be submitted to Mecca governor Prince Khalid al-Faisal and then Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud.

President Jacob Zuma conveyed the government’s condolences to Saud and the people of Saudi Arabia at the weekend.

“The South African government sends its deepest sympathy and condolences to the government and the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the tragic loss of lives of pilgrims as a result of the crane accident at the Grand Mosque.

“Our prayers go out to the families and friends of the deceased, and we wish those injured in the accident a speedy recovery,” said Zuma.

Crown prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates also conveyed his condolences for worshippers killed and sympathy for those injured. siyavuya.mzantsi@inl.co.za

@Siyavuya2