65 people have been killed after a crane collapsed on the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the country's civil defense authority has confirmed.
The state body, which has sent rescue crews to the scene, says over 180 people have been injured.
The tragedy comes as the country prepares for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which sees millions of Muslims from across the world converge on the birthplace of the Prophet Mohammed.
Images from the scene show numerous bodies, and a part of a crane that has crashed through the roof of a building.
In recent years, authorities have stepped up efforts to ensure the safety of pilgrims. In 2006, a stampede killed 350 people, and a separate building collapse 76. In 2004, another stampede killed almost 200 people.
