None of the Maldivian pilgrims who departed for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, have been injured from the devastating incident in the holy site which left 107 killed.
Over 230 more were injured when a massive construction crane - which was overlooking the Kaaba - fell in to the Grand Mosque, due to bad weather and strong winds. The incident came just days before the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The safe conditions of the Maldivian pilgrims was confirmed by Islamic Minister Dr. Ahmed Ziyad, who told Vnews that all of their information have been collected.
He explained that while there were some troubles in locating a couple - who departed under the sponsorship of the Minaa Hajj Group, as well as another pilgrim - who was under the sponsorship of the Hajj Corporation, contacts with them had been successfully made as well.
In spite of the fortunate well-being of the Maldivian pilgrims, the Minister said that the incident is a very sad day in the Islamic community, and gave condolences of the families of those who were killed in the collapse.
He had also expressed gratitude for the immense work conducted by the Maldivian Hajj Mission, as well as the Maldivian Government, citizens and other contributors in determining the safety of the Maldivian pilgrims. The thanks are especially aimed at the leadership of the Hajj Mission’s President - Sheikh Ali Shareef, as well as his team.