Hotel housing Nigerian pilgrims in Makkah catches fire

A fire broke out on Saturday at a hotel in Makkah where 484 Nigerian pilgrims were being accommodated, according to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The commission confirmed that no fatalities occurred as a result of the incident.

In a statement released by Hajiya Fatima Usara, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publications, the fire started at approximately 12:00 p.m. (local time) at the Imaratus Sanan Hotel, located on Shari Mansur Street. The affected pilgrims were away in Mina observing their Hajj rites when the blaze erupted.

“NAHCON regrets to inform the public of a fire incident that occurred earlier Saturday around 12:00 noon (KSA time), at one of the hotels accommodating Nigerian pilgrims on Shari Mansur Street in Makkah,” Usara stated.

“The affected hotel, Imaratus Sanan, was hosting about 484 pilgrims from six Nigerian Private Tour Operator Companies. Thankfully, no lives were lost, and all pilgrims are safely in Mina.

“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,” she added.

In the aftermath of the fire, NAHCON Chairman and CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh, visited the scene to assess the damage and oversee the welfare arrangements for the displaced pilgrims.

Usara said that the chairman was joined by Commissioner for Policy, Personnel Management and Finance, Alhaji Aliu Abdulrazak, and Deputy Makkah Coordinator, Director Alidu Shutti.

Professor Saleh directed that all affected pilgrims be promptly relocated to alternative accommodations.

He offered words of comfort and pledged the commission’s full support to mitigate the disruption caused by the incident.

He expressed thanks to Allah that no life was lost in the unfortunate incident.

He promised that NAHCON would work with the affected tour operators to ensure that pilgrims were relocated and provided with the necessary assistance.

The NAHCON leadership also commended Saudi emergency responders and hotel staff for their swift and coordinated efforts in controlling the situation.