Two pilgrims from Andhra killed in Makkah Grand Mosque accident

Hyderabad, Sep 13 Two Haj pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh were among 107 killed in the crane accident at the Grand Mosque in the Saudi Arabian holy city of Makkah, an official said here on Sunday.

The deceased couple has been identified as Abdul Khader (38) and his wife Fatima Begum (32).

Telangana State Haj Committee's special officer S. A. Shukoor told IANS that the couple hailing from Krishna district in coastal Andhra Pradesh were missing since the accident on Friday evening.

The officer said he spoke to the Indian consul general in Jeddah, who confirmed on Sunday that the couple died in the accident.

This has taken to four the number of Indian pilgrims killed in the accident. The officials had earlier announced that a pilgrim each from Kerala and West Bengal died in the tragedy.

The officials said 19 Indians were among 238 injured. The injured include three from Hyderabad.

Sukoor said two of the injured were discharged from the hospital while the third one is still hospitalised but his condition is stated to be stable.