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Bolton father among dead in Mecca crane collapse

A father-of-four from Bolton was among the 107 people killed in Saudi Arabia when a crane collapsed onto the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

Tributes have been paid to Qasim Akram who was killed hours after arriving in the city ahead of his first pilgrimage to the holy city.

Mr Akram, who was believed to be 32 and a private hire driver, had been in the Grand Mosque with his parents some 50 yards ahead of them when the crane struck the mosque which is Islam's holiest site.

His parents, Mr and Mrs Mohammad Akram, are believed to have escaped without injury.

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Mecca: Video shows moment of panic as crane falls

Footage has emerged of high winds and stormy conditions in Mecca moments before a crane collapsed on the Grand Mosque, killing tens of people.

In the video heavy rain and swirling winds can be seen before a loud crashing noise can be heard and bystanders flee in panic.

Saudi Authorities say at least 65 people have been killed in the incident, with a further 80 injured.

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