Pakistan confirms 6 nationals die in Saudi crane crash

Pakistani officials Sunday confirmed that six Pakistanis have died in a crane crash incident in the Saudi city of Mecca late Friday during the annual pilgrimage.

Saudi officials said 107 people were killed and nearly 300 wounded when a crane toppled over at Mecca's Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia due to strong winds and rains.

Pakistani Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Manzoor-ul-Haq said that six Pakistanis were killed while 36 were injured in the deadly crane crash.

The injured Pakistanis are receiving treatment in three hospitals in Mecca, the ambassador said in a statement. Pakistani mission released names of those died in the incident.

Pakistani sources said that at least 10 Pakistani intending- pilgrims are missing.

Over 150,000 Pakistanis are performing Hajj this year, according to the religious affairs ministry.

Foreign Office spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah said in Islamabad on Saturday that 25 Pakistani pilgrims who sustained minor injuries have been discharged after treatment.

The spokesman said that a Pakistani medical team, who was in Saudi Arabia in connection with the annual pilgrimage, is engaged in providing medical treatment to the injured.

Pakistani Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Yousaf said the diplomatic mission is in constant contact with the Saudi authorities.

The president and the prime minister of Pakistan have expressed shock at the incident and showed sympathies with the bereaved families.

Source: XINHUA