2006 Mecca hostel collapse

Hostel

The four-storey hostel, Lulu'at al-Khair, situated on al-Ghazal Street, just 60 m from the walls of Masjid al-Haram, was in demand as the Hajj was about to begin, and at least 30 people were known to be staying there. As well as housing Hajjis, the building also contains a restaurant and shops. At its base it is surrounded by market stalls. The building was at least 25 years old and its operator, Habib Turkestani, claims that the building was structurally sound and in "good shape".

Collapse

According to reports, prior to the collapse a fire was seen spreading downstairs in the building. The fire alarm went off and sprinklers were in operation. The building was not full, as many of the occupants had made their way to the Masjid al Haram for mid-day Salat. As soon as the collapse happened, nearby people began to dig to try to remove the rubble. Up to one thousand Saudi rescue workers were dispatched, and two large cranes were brought in to try to clear the masonry. People in buildings nearby were evacuated as a precaution.

Victims

Originally, the Saudi government declared that thirteen people had died, but this figure quickly rose, settling at seventy-six. Most of those who died were passers-by, people shopping in the markets or returning from the Masjid al Haram after Salat. Most were foreign nationals from Arab and Asian nations. The dead were buried in the Jannatul Mualla cemetery in Mecca, where Muslims believe Muhammad's sahaba will rise again on the day of Judgement.

References

References

1. Siraj Wahab. (January 7, 2006). "Building Collapse Toll 76". Arab News.
2. (January 6, 2006). "Mecca disaster toll rises to 76". BBC News.
3. (January 6, 2006). "Rescuers search in rubble of Mecca building". The New York Times.