Foreign Office says 47 nationals injured in Saudi crane crash

13 Sep, 2015

Pakistan said Saturday that its 47 nationals were injured in a crane crash incident in Makkah late Friday during the annual pilgrimage. Saudi officials have confirmed that at least 107 people lost lives and 238 wounded when a crane toppled over at Makkah's Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia due to strong winds and rains. Foreign Office Spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah said in Islamabad that 22 Pakistani pilgrims injured in the crane crash incident are under treatment in various hospitals.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the spokesperson said 25 other Pakistani pilgrims who sustained minor injuries have been discharged after treatment. Qazi Khalilullah said no Pakistani pilgrim was killed in the incident. Local media had earlier reported that one Pakistani was among the dead.
The spokesman said members of Pakistani medical team, who was in Saudi Arabia in connection with the annual pilgrimage, is engaged in providing medical treatment to the injured. Pakistan Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousaf said seven of the Pakistani injured are in critical condition. "We are in constant contact with the Saudi authorities. Pakistani doctors are providing medical aid to the injured," Yousaf said.
Pakistan's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Manzoor-ul-Haq says best medical facilities are being provided to the injured Pakistani pilgrims in Makkah. Pakistani President and the Prime Minister have expressed shock at the incident and showed sympathies with the bereaved families.

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