Mecca: 87 dead after crane crashes onto Grand Mosque

The death toll following a crane collapse at the Grand Mosque in Mecca has risen to 87, authorities in Saudi Arabia say.

The Saudi Arabia civil defence authority boss also told Al Ikhbariya television that 183 people have been injured in the incident.

It is not yet known what caused the structure to fall, but eyewitnesses report high winds in the moments before the crane crashed down.

Footage has emerged of high winds and stormy conditions in Mecca moments before a crane collapsed on the Grand Mosque, killing tens of people.

In the video heavy rain and swirling winds can be seen before a loud crashing noise can be heard and bystanders flee in panic.

Saudi Authorities say at least 65 people have been killed in the incident, with a further 80 injured.

Emergency services at scene of Mecca crane collapse






Members of the Saudi civil defence authority surround the site of a crane collapse at Grand Mosque in Mecca.






The death toll from the accident has risen to at least 65, Saudi authorities have said.