Investigation Begins in Deadly Saudi Crane Accident

September 14, 2015 - Saudi authorities are investigating a deadly crane collapse which killed more than 100 people last Friday in the Muslim holy city of Mecca. The crane crashed into a part of the Grand Mosque, filled with worshippers. According to reports, strong winds and heavy rains caused the crane to fall.

 

At least 230 people were injured, though an exact count of how many were hurt by the collapse, or the stampede that followed it, was unclear. Those killed are reported to include Indonesian, Indian, Iranian, and Egyptian citizens.

 

One witness reported the crane fell through the outer ring of the Grand Mosque and punctured through the roof showering tons of cement and debris onto people either praying or walking through the mosque. Reports say the Grand Mosque is currently surrounded by 15 large cranes in the process of a major expansion of the mosque by 4.3 million sq. ft., to accommodate up to 2.2 million people.