Muslims flock to hajj despite deadly crane collapse

Pilgrims from around the world have begun massing in Saudi Arabia for the hajj, one of the biggest gatherings on the planet, undeterred by a crane collapse that killed 108 people at Islam's holiest site, Reports AFP from Mecca. More than 1.2 million faithful have already arrived for the annual hajj, which begins on Tuesday against a backdrop of increased jihadi violence, a surge of the deadly MERS virus and with the kingdom at war in Yemen. From all races and ages, they flocked into the Grand Mosque, where they prayed -- some silently in tears and others loudly in groups carrying their countries' flags. The hajj is among the five pillars of Islam and every capable Muslim must perform the pilgrimage at least once. Previously marred by stampedes and fires that killed hundreds, it had been largely incident-free for the past decade after safety improvements. But on September 11, during severe winds, a construction crane toppled into a courtyard of the Grand Mosque. Saudis, Iranians, Nigerians, Malaysians, Indonesians and Indians were among the dead. About 400 more people were injured, but it has not stopped pilgrims carrying out their rituals.

Muslims flock to hajj despite deadly crane collapse

Pilgrims from around the world have begun massing in Saudi Arabia for the hajj, one of the biggest gatherings on the planet, undeterred by a crane collapse that killed 108 people at Islams holiest site, Reports AFP from Mecca. More than 1.2 million faithful have already arrived for the annual hajj, which begins on Tuesday against a backdrop of increased jihadi violence, a surge of the deadly MERS virus and with the kingdom at war in Yemen. From all races and ages, they flocked into the Grand Mosque, where they prayed -- some silently in tears and others loudly in groups carrying their countries flags. The hajj is among the five pillars of Islam and every capable Muslim must perform the pilgrimage at least once. Previously marred by stampedes and fires that killed hundreds, it had been largely incident-free for the past decade after safety improvements. But on September 11, during severe winds, a construction crane toppled into a courtyard of the Grand Mosque. Saudis, Iranians, Nigerians, Malaysians, Indonesians and Indians were among the dead. About 400 more people were injured, but it has not stopped pilgrims carrying out their rituals.