Iran's space scientist killed in Mecca crane collapse

Iran's renowned space scientist and university professor Ahmad Hatami has been one of the eight Iranian pilgrims who died in the crane collapse in Mecca on Friday, Fars News Agency reported.

Iran's Communications and Information Technology Minister Mahmoud Vaezi announced on Monday evening that Dr. Ahmad Hatami, a science board member of Iran Space Research Center, was among the eight Iranian pilgrims who died in the accident.

The minister expressed deep sorrow over Hatami's death and extended his most heartfelt condolences to his family and to the Iranian IT and space technology community.

Iran's High Council of Cultural Revolution also issued a statement minutes later this evening, confirming the scientist's death and expressing its profound sadness and condolences to the community of Iranian scientists.

At least 107 Hajj pilgrims were killed and 238 more were injured when the crane collapsed on to the Grand Mosque during storms.

According to reports, eight Iranians were killed, and 32 more were injured.

Storms were lashing the Saudi city of Mecca when strong winds brought down the crane that was part of construction works.

Tons of rubble and debris crashed to the ground on top of scores of people gathering in the mosque for 6:30 prayers when a section of the crane crashed through the roof.

Source: MENA