The ministry said in a statement online: "We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic accident in the Grand Mosque in Makkah. We would like to convey our deepest condolences to the people of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi government and the families of the victims...As of now, there are no reports of any Singaporean casualties."
Malaysia's Bernama news agency reported that 10 Malaysian pilgrims have been injured, and six not accounted for. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom was quoted on saying that the injured seven men and three women are being treated at hospitals in KSA, at the Tabung Haji (TH) Medical Centre while one was allowed to return to the hotel.
TH was working with the Southeast Asian Muasassah (pilgrim management body) to look for the six missing pilgrims - two men and four women, he added.
Thirty-three Indonesian pilgrims were affected by the fall. The Ministry of Religious Affairs in Indonesia has released a list of names, updated 12 September 1am, which include two deaths. The hotline to call is +966 5 4360 3154.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense (GDCD), Ministry of the Interior, KSA, tweeted the news of a crane collapsing onto the Masjid Al-Haram when the mosque would have been filled with worshippers for Friday prayers. Strong winds had caused the fall, the GDCD said on 12 September. News of injuries and deaths were quickly updated by the @KSA_998 Twitter account (in Arabic, but most software provides translations), reaching 201 injured and 107 dead as of 5.41am, 12 September Singapore time. The account is providing updates, with pictures, frequently.
KSA beefed up medical resources ahead of the Hajj, according to Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health.
KSA's General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) reported that as of 9 September, 796,581 pilgrims had arrived in the Kingdom since the beginning of this year’s Hajj season. Of these, 780,474 pilgrims arrived by air, 9,039 pilgrims by land, and 7,068 pilgrims by sea.
KSA's General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) reported that as of 9 September, 796,581 pilgrims had arrived in the Kingdom since the beginning of this year’s Hajj season. Of these, 780,474 pilgrims arrived by air, 9,039 pilgrims by land, and 7,068 pilgrims by sea.
Hashtag for TH: #haji1436H
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