Crane collapse at Mecca mosque

Civil Defense personnel inspect the damage at the Grand Mosque in Mecca after a crane collapsed, killing dozens of people Friday.

(Saudi Interior Ministry General Directorate of Civil Defense / AP)

Sept. 11, 2015 2:54 PM PT

A towering construction crane collapsed Friday during a violent rainstorm in Saudi Arabia’s city of Mecca, crashing into the Grand Mosque and killing at least 87 people ahead of the start of the annual hajj pilgrimage later this month.

A collapsed crane is seen over the Grand Mosque in Mecca on Friday.

(Saudi Interior Ministry General Directorate of Civil Defense / AP)

An area is cordoned off at the Grand Mosque in Mecca after a crane collapsed, killing dozens of people Friday.

(Saudi Interior Ministry General Directorate of Civil Defense / AP)

A collapsed crane and emergency services vehicles are seen near the Grand Mosque in Mecca on Friday.

(Saudi Interior Ministry General Directorate of Civil Defense / AP)