20 pilgrims killed as building collapses in Muslim holy city

[PsychoDad]

At least 20 pilgrims killed as building collapses in Muslim holy city
During Hajj 2006

Also photos of the Hajj

http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/photospecials/graph/200601mecca/
http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/international/news/20060106p2g00m0in030000c.html


MECCA, Saudi Arabia -- With spotlights, cameras and microphones, rescuers searched for survivors of an eight-story building collapse that killed at least 20 people, the latest tragedy to mar the annual gathering of millions of Muslims in Islam's holiest city.

The Interior Ministry said 59 people were injured Thursday, but nobody would say -- or knew -- how many more were trapped in the rubble of Lulu'at al-Khair, which housed shops and restaurants and was rented out as a hostel during pilgrimages.
...

"Fortunately the building was almost empty when it collapsed, because most of the residents were in the holy shrine at that time," civil defense Maj. Gen. Alwani, who did not provide his first name, told government-run Al-Ekhbariya television. "Most of the casualties were from the passers-by near the building."

The number of pilgrims to Mecca has increased elevenfold over the past 15 years. During that time, the Saudi government spent billions of dollars to improve accommodations, transportation and medical facilities for the "guests of Allah."

The gathering has been hit with tragedies frequently in recent years.

The worst hajj-related tragedy occurred in 1990 when 1,426 pilgrims were killed in a stampede in an overcrowded pedestrian tunnel leading to holy sites in Mecca.


Peace.