Mecca crane tragedy: Video of pilgrims in panic goes viral
Astro Awani
September 12, 2015 19:53 MYT
September 12, 2015 19:53 MYT
The 37-second video was shot by a pilgrim as the faithful performed the fifth pillar of Islam. - Photo YouTube
A 37-second video showing a massive construction crane crashing into Mecca’s Grand Mosque has gone viral since Friday.
The scene, which showed pilgrims screaming and running in panic as the crane collapsed, was captured by a pilgrim.
The crane, believed to be one of several being used in the expansion project of the Grand Mosque, collapsed during heavy rain as Muslims were performing Asar prayers.
The video has been viewed 898,237 times (as at press time).
Initially, Six Malaysians were declared missing in the tragedy at the Grand Mosque, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said.
The number was later revised to eight.
According to latest reports, 107 people died in the tragedy while 238 were injured, 10 of them Malaysians.
Jamil said Tabung Haji's search and rescue team is working with Muaassah Asia to find the missing pilgrims.