Algerians in mourning in Holy Places

A third Algerian Omra performer was killed in a hotel fire in Medina in Saudi while general consul in Jeddah Saleh Atiya announced that an investigation will be opened in the incident and victims will be compensated.

“The vice-consul identified the victims who died of asphyxia due to fire in the Ichrak Hotel in Medina. More than 700 Omra performers of different nationalities were staying there. They were buried on Sunday in Beqiae after their families authorized that. Saudi civil defense authorities carry out an investigation to compensate the victims’ families,” the general consul told Echorouk on the phone.

“The incident was surprising and rare as Saudi authorities care about safety measures,” he added.

He also said people behind the fire will be prosecuted as it was caused by an electric spark at the hotel gate where there were beds.

“I express my sincere condolences to the victims’ families. The incident took place on Saturday at around 2 pm,” he added.

The three female victims come from the province of Oran (west of Algeria). They arrived to the hotel 8 hours before the fire had been triggered.

General Director of Haj and Omra Office Cheikh Berbara told Echorouk the victims went to Saudi Arabia through the Nihal Agency to perform Omra. The incident cause is an electric spark at the hotel gate.