FIRE IN MAKKAH HOTEL: 1,028 EVACUATED

Makkah, 5 Dhulhijjah 1436/19 September 2015 (MINA) – The Civil Defense teams safely evacuated 1,028 Asian pilgrims from an unnamed hotel in Makkah’s Al-Aziziyah area after a fire broke out on the 8th floor of the 11-story building.

Two pilgrims sustained minor injuries. Col. Abdullah Al-Orabi Al-Harthi, spokesman of the Civil Defense forces assigned for work during Haj, said the fire was first reported at 12.30 am Thursday, Saudi Gazette quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Six teams equipped with retractable ladders were dispatched to the scene immediately and the pilgrims were evacuated from the hotel, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said.

Col. Al-Harthi said the Civil Defense coordinated with the Ministry of Haj to shift the pilgrims to a suitable accommodation.

The fire comes after a crane collapse in the Grand Mosque last Friday killed at least 111 people and injured more than 390.

More than one million faithful have already arrived in Makkah for this year’s Haj, which begins Tuesday. (T/P011/R04)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)