Mecca Crane-Collapse Victims-Obituary

Mecca Crane Collapse Victims

Obituary

A crane collapsed Friday at one of Islam's most important mosques - the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca - killing at least 65 people and injuring 154 others, Saudi Arabian authorities said Friday on Twitter, according to CNN.

The tweets made no mention about what caused the collapse.

The civil defense authority announced the collapse and a series of rising casualty numbers on its official Twitter account, The Associated Press reported.

Pan-satellite Al-Jazeera Television broadcast footage from inside the mosque compound said to be from the aftermath of the accident, the AP said.

Another video, on a Twitter posting, captured the apparent moment of the crane's collapse during a heavy rainstorm, with a loud boom, screams and confusion, the AP said.

The Masjid al-Haram surrounds Islam's holiest site, the Kaaba -- a shrine that worshipers visit during the hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Approximately 2 million people a year make the pilgrimage, CNN said.

The hajj is due to begin later this month.

Last year, Saudi Arabia lowered its limit of people allowed to perform hajj, citing safety concerns because of the construction work at the Grand Mosque.

In past years, the pilgrimages have resulted in multiple deaths, chiefly as a result of stampedes.

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With deepest sympathy on the tragic loss of your loved ones. Know that time and unexpected events befall all of us. Take comfort in knowing that God cares and He will soon bring an end to pain and suffering in the near future in the coming Paradise.

We are deeply saddened by this terrible tragedy. Loved ones, be assured that God hears your cry and he feels your pain. He cares for you so so much. You are not alone; He will see you through your grief. Our condolences!

Dear families: My sincere condolences for your loss. I can only imagine how devastating this situation is for each one of you. May our Heavenly Father, the Source of all comfort and strength to those suffering, strengthen each one of you to endure your pain - Psalms 9:9.

Our thoughts are with your families as you begin to process this tragedy.

Please accept my apologies. My prayers are with these families. Please remember the hope that Jesus gave us at John 6:40.

May you find comfort in knowing God and others care.

Sincerely,

So sorry to hear of loss. During this time there will be tears, but please keep in mind that even Jesus gave way to tears when someone he loved died. this occasion was recorded in the Bible at John 11:35.

From one who has experienced such grief, I offer my sympathy.

Prayers for the family.

T. Davis Nashville,TN