Deadly Crane collapse kills 107 people and 238 injured at grand mosque in Mecca days before Hajj.
A construction crane crashed through the roof of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, killing 107 people and casting a grim shadow on a yearly pilgrimage that draws millions to Saudi Arabia.
At least 238 others suffered injuries when a powerful storm toppled the crane, according to the nation's civil defense authorities. The crane fell 10 days before the start of the Hajj, an annual pilgrimage expected to bring 2 million people to Mecca.
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud visited the site of the crane collapse Saturday, according to the state-run Saudi Press agency.
The ruler gave his condolences to the victims' families and vowed to investigate the cause of the accident. He also visited a hospital where he wished the wounded a speedy recovery.
Will the accident deter pilgrims? One American says it won't stop her.
"My main concern is safety issues that arise with such a big crowd," said Faten Abdelfattah, 32, of Texas, who was leaving Saturday. "It's a reminder to put my trust in God and that I can't stop death if it's my time whether I'm there or sleeping safely in bed."
She thinks the Saudi government will take extra precautions.
Witnesses posted photos and video on social media showing the crane crashing through the mosque roof. Scores of bodies, blood and debris lay scattered across the courtyard.
"We just washed and were getting ready to head to the Masjid al-Haram for the Maghrib prayer (sunset prayer)," said Yahya Al Hashemi..
