Pretoria – President Jacob Zuma has sent his condolences to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the accident at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
“The South African government sends its deepest sympathy and condolences to the government and the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the tragic loss of lives of pilgrims as a result of the crane accident at the Grand Mosque.
“Our prayers go out to the families and friends of the deceased and we wish those injured in the accident, a speedy recovery," said President Zuma in a statement.
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia said an investigation has begun following the accident on Friday in the Muslim holy city that killed at least 107 people and injured 238.
Those wounded included nationals of several countries, including Afghanistan, Egypt, Iran, Pakistan, Turkey and Malaysia.
According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the South African Consulate in Jeddah is monitoring the situation in Mecca following the accident.
“Thus far, no reports have been received of any South African citizens affected by the accident,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za-NNN
