A fire broke out on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Imaratus Sanan Hotel in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where more than 480 Nigerian pilgrims were being accommodated for the Hajj pilgrimage.
The building, located along Shari Mansur Street, was razed by flames around noon while the pilgrims were away performing the stoning rite in Mina.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) confirmed that all the pilgrims were safe since they had left the hotel earlier in the day.
The fire caused heavy damage to parts of the structure but did not result in any injuries or loss of life.
Upon learning of the incident, NAHCON officials led by Chairman Abdullahi Saleh Usman visited the hotel to see the level of destruction and make quick decisions on the welfare of the pilgrims.
The team also included key personnel such as the Commissioner for Policy, Personnel, Management and Finance, and the Deputy Makkah Coordinator.
The commission quickly began arrangements for relocating the affected pilgrims to a new hotel.
NAHCON stated that they would do everything possible to ease the impact of the event on those affected, and they have already found a new building to house the pilgrims once they return from Mina.
Saudi emergency workers and the hotel staff responded fast and were able to stop the fire from spreading further.
NAHCON thanked the Saudi team for acting quickly and also praised the cooperation of the hotel workers during the emergency.
Officials assured that more information will be shared if needed, while work continues to ensure the comfort and security of the pilgrims.
