Mecca Building Collapse Death Toll Hits 76

Prayers at sundown on 3 January in Mecca (epa) 6 January 2006 -- Saudi officials say the death toll from a hotel collapse in Mecca has now reached 76 people.

More than 60 others were injured when the building crumbled yesterday after a fire.

Interior Ministry spokesman Mansur al-Turki said he expected the toll to be final. He added that rubble clearing operations at the site have now ended.

More than a millions Muslims have gathered in the holy city of Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

(Reuters/AFP)