18 dead in Saudi Haj hostel collapse

Saudi television said at least 47 people were injured in the incident, which occurred days before the start of the five-day ritual. A government official in Mecca said most of the injured had only light wounds.

Witnesses described how the busy market street was suddenly enveloped in dust when the building fell in the early afternoon. “I pulled out at least 10 dead,” said one medic.

Residents said they thought about 30 people were staying in the hostel. They said the hostel was at least six storeys high and 30 years old. About 1 million pilgrims are already in Mecca for the Haj which starts on Sunday and at least 2.5 million are expected.

In 2004, 250 pilgrims died in a stampede during the stoning of three stone pillars which symbolise the devil. —Reuters