Two Indians killed in Mecca crane crash, confirms MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday said that two Indians were killed and fifteen others injured when a crane crashed into the grand mosque of Saudi Arabia in Mecca last night.

"An unfortunate incident happened in a grand mosque in Mecca yesterday. According to the latest information, fifteen Indians are injured and two people have lost their lives. The deceased Indians hailed from Kerala. The Indian consulate in Jeddah is in touch with the injured Indians," MEA official spokesperson Vikas Swarup told the media here.

"All the main hospitals in Mecca have Indian doctors and they are looking after the injured. Our Consulate has opened a helpline number which is available on the website of Ministry of External Affairs. Despite this accident, there will be no break in the Haj Yatra and will continue as scheduled," Swarup added.

At least 107 pilgrims, including two Indians were reportedly killed and more than 230 injured when a crane crashed into the grand mosque of Saudi Arabia in Mecca.

Meanwhile, President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have deeply condoled the loss of a number of lives and injuries of Haj pilgrims.

The Indian Consulate has opened help line numbers so the people can get information. The numbers are 00966125458000, 00966125496000.