Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, emir of Makkah and advisor of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has directed setting up of two committees to probe into the Haram tragedy. Sultan Al-Dosary, director general of media and public relations at the governorate, said that the committees will examine the causes of crashing the crane and will present the report quickly.

“The emir is closely following up on the tragedy and contacting the concerned authorities. He has directed to make available of the best possible treatment and support to those who sustained injuries,” he said.

Dr. Khaled Al-Habshi, director general of the department for Haj and Umrah at the Red Crescent Authority, said that at least 68 emergency teams and ambulances took part in the rescue operation and carried the victims to hospitals. Field medical teams provided first aid to the injured pilgrims.

“Our first emergency team reached the scene within a few minutes after occurring the accident at 5.19 p.m. and they transferred 49 injured people to hospitals,” he said, adding that more teams came from various parts of Makkah as well as from Jeddah and Taif to take part in the rescue operation. SAUDI GAZETTE