A sudden fire erupted on Saturday around 12:00 noon (Saudi time) at the Imaratus Sanan Hotel, located on Shari Mansur Street in Mecca. The hotel was housing more than 480 Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj through six private tour operators.
Fortunately, at the time of the blaze, all occupants were away in Mina to perform the symbolic stoning ritual, ensuring that no one was harmed.
In a statement attributed to NAHCON spokesperson Fatima Usara, it was confirmed that Saudi fire crews and hotel personnel responded swiftly, managing to contain the flames and avoid any casualties .
NAHCON Chairman Abdullahi Usman personally visited the site shortly after the incident to oversee the situation, express sympathy, and reinforce the commission’s commitment to immediate action. He reportedly said, “Our priority is the safety and comfort of our pilgrims,” and instructed for an urgent relocation of those affected to alternative lodging in Mina.
The Commission pledged to provide “every possible support” to cushion the impact of the incident on the pilgrims while conducting inspections and making arrangements at the new accommodation. Gratitude was also expressed for the swift response of the Saudi fire service and cooperation from hotel staff in quelling the blaze
