At least 15 Mecca pilgrims killed as building collapses

A BUILDING used as a hostel by pilgrims in Islam’s holiest city collapsed yesterday leaving at least 15 people dead and 39 injured.

However, officials warned that the death toll could rise.

A civil defence official told Al-Ekhbariya television that the 40-year-old building’s foundation was cracked and too weak to support its weight.