Panic As Fire Guts Hotel Accommodating Over 480 Nigerian Pilgrims In Mecca (Photos)

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed a fire outbreak at a hotel housing Nigerian pilgrims on Shari Mansur Street in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

In a statement, the NAHCON Assistant Director Information and Publication Division, Fatima Sanda Usara indicated that the incident occurred today, Saturday, around noon Saudi Arabian time.

According to the statement, the affected hotel, Imaratus Sanan, was hosting about 484 pilgrims from six Nigerian Private Tour Operator Companies, noting that no lives were lost, and all the pilgrims are safely in Mina valley observing one of the core Hajj rites.

“Immediate emergency response by Saudi authorities and the hotel management helped to contain the fire swiftly and prevent it from spreading all over the building”, the added.

The NAHCON in the statement said its Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh alongside some other officials has promptly visited the hotel to assess the situation for appropriate action.

Meanwhile, the NAHCON Chairman has ordered for immediate relocation of the affected pilgrims to a new accommodation, even as he assured that the Commission will work with the affected tour operators to provide necessary assistance to the victims.