Many pilgrims of different nationals are feared killed as by a thunderstorm which struck inside Ka’aba in Macca.

Eyewitnesses say the incident occured around 5:37 p.m. Saudi Arabia time, shortly as pilgrims started preparing for the Magrib prayer. The thunderstorm struck a skyscraper that fell from top sections of the Ka’aba that is undergoing expansion.

An eyewitness, Saidu Liman Joga, a pilgrim from Chikun Local Government of Kaduna State, told newsmen: “We were performing Tawaf as we awaited Magrib prayers around 5:37 p.m. when suddenly we heard a loud nose and sighted a flying metal from the skyscraper around sections of the Ka’aba that is undergoing expansion, which landed in Safa section where many are performing Sa’I.

“I immediately rushed to the area and saw many body parts of about 100 dead bodies, mostly Indonesians, and many injured being evacuated. I did not see any body in Nigerian uniform.”

“I saw many casualties, some of them in their Haram being evacuated, but I cannot ascertain the exact number,” a female pilgrim told our correspondent.

Another pilgrim said one Nigerian with Kaduna State uniform is suspected to be among many of the casualties.

He said: “Many who sustained injuries are also being rushed to the hospital for treatment. It’s really a horrific scene; we were all scampering for safety when we heard the loud bang.”

An official of Nigeria’s National Hajj Commission who would not want his name in print confirmed the incident to newsmen.

“Yes, we received the report of what happened at Harami, but we are yet to ascertain if any Nigerian pilgrim is affected,” he said.

The official number of casualties was yet to be determined as at the time of filling this report.

•Photo shows scene of the tragedy.

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