(Eagle News) — Malacanang said no Filipino had been reported injured or killed in a tragic crane accident Friday at the Mecca Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia ahead of the annual Hajj.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah reported that no Filipino was reported injured or killed in that accident.
“As of today, wala naman pong report so far tungkol sa mga Pilipinong nadamay o nasaktan doon sa naging aksidente sa Mecca,” Valte said, hoping that this situation remains unchanged.
Valte, nevertheless, said the Consulate General would keep an eye out for Filipinos who might be caught up in the mishap eventually to provide them necessary assistance.
Malacañang also extended its condolences to the families of those who perished in the disaster, which already reached 107, according to reports, on top of the 238 who sustained injuries.
“Patuloy ho ang pagbabantay ng ating Consulate General doon para kung sakaling (may nadamay nga), huwag naman po sana, at nakikiramay din po tayo doon sa mga pamilya ng nadamay doon sa naging aksidente roon,” Valte said.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia blamed tempestuous winds and heavy rains for the crane’s collapse, which tore the mosque’s ceiling, crushing several worshippers in the process.
The incident happened two weeks before the Hajj, an annual Islamic pilgrimage to the Mecca, that physically and financially capable Muslims are expected to carry out at least once in their lifetime. (based on PND report)
