2 Indians killed, 19 hurt
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, September 12
Confirming the death of two Indians and injuries to 19 others, including one from Punjab, in the crane crash at Mecca's Grand Mosque, New Delhi today announced the setting up of a round-the-clock helpline and a toll free number for pilgrims within Saudi Arabia.
"Our officials from the Indian Consulate in Jeddah have been on the ground and monitoring the situation through the night. We have received reports that 19 Indians have been injured and are being treated at various hospitals. These comprise 15 from the Haj Committee of India and four private tour operators. We have been informed that two Indians have been killed in the accident," said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup.
Those killed have been identified as Moniza Ahmed from West Bengal and Muamenna Ismail from Kerala. Of the 19 injured, Ghulam Sarwar hailed from Punjab. "Among the injured are three each from Maharashtra, Telangana, UP and MP, two each from Delhi and West Bengal, and one each from Punjab, Bihar and Assam. None of them is critical. The pilgrimage will continue as scheduled," Swarup said.
The President, Vice-President and the Prime Minister mourned the deaths and injuries caused to pilgrims in the accident that took place on Friday evening. President Pranab Mukherjee conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of deceased and his prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Vice-President Hamid Ansari said he joined the people of the country in conveying his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. He called upon authorities concerned in India to extend all possible help to the families of the deceased Indian pilgrims and those injured.
PM Narendra Modi said: "My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives in the crane crash in Mecca. I wish the injured a quick recovery."
