Two Indians, both from Kerala, were killed and 15 others injured when a massive construction crane crashed into Mecca's Grand Mosque leaving more than 100 people dead, the External Affairs Ministry said today.
"Regrettably we have been informed that 2 Indians have been killed in the unfortunate accident. They were from Kerala," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in New Delhi.
He said the officials from the Indian Consulate in Jeddah have been on the ground and have set up a 24X7 helpline to provide information and assistance.
They have been monitoring the situation through the night, Swarup said.
"We have received reports that 15 Indians have been injured and are being assisted in various hospitals. These include 11 from the Haj Committee of India and 4 from Private Tour Operators," the spokesperson said.
Over 100 people died when a massive construction crane crashed into Mecca's Grand Mosque yesterday with scores more injured, days before the annual haj pilgrimage.
A part of the massive crane collapsed as a result of strong winds and heavy rains, media reports said.
Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims have already arrived in Mecca for haj.
Saudi authorities have ordered a probe into the the incident.
