China expresses condolences to Saudi Arabia over crane crash

China on Monday expressed condolences to Saudi Arabia over Friday's crane accident at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, in which more than 100 people were killed.

"China is deeply saddened by the great loss of life and extends condolences to the families of the victims and the injured," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei at a daily press briefing.

He said Chinese President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had called King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, respectively, and conveyed their condolences.

Hong said three Chinese nationals were injured, adding that the Chinese Consulate General in Jeddah had provided assistance.

According to local media, the death toll from the accident rose to 111, and 331 had sustained injuries as of Sunday night.

The incident came just two weeks before pilgrimage season amid unstable weather and high winds in the holy city.

Source: XINHUA