Breaking: Miracle in Mecca: No Lives Lost as Fire Guts Hotel Housing Over 480 Nigerian Pilgrims

A potentially disastrous situation was averted when a fire broke out at the Imaratus Sanan Hotel in Mecca’s Sharamansur area, housing over 480 Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage through private tour operators. Thankfully, no lives were lost, as the pilgrims were away in Mina for the symbolic stoning ritual at the time of the incident.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) confirmed the incident and praised the prompt response of Saudi fire services and hotel staff, who helped contain the blaze and prevent casualties. According to Fatima Usara, NAHCON’s spokesperson, the commission’s chairman, Abdullahi Usman, visited the site, assessed the damage, and arranged for the pilgrims’ immediate relocation to alternative accommodations.

“We have arranged immediate relocation to alternative accommodations and will provide every support within our capacity to minimize their distress,” Mr. Usman said, emphasizing the commission’s priority on pilgrim safety and comfort. He commended the Saudi fire service and hotel management for their quick response, which prevented the situation from escalating.

The fire occurred on Saturday, June 7, 2025, around 12 pm, affecting the Imaratus Sanan Hotel, which was hosting 484 pilgrims from six Nigerian Private Tour Operator Companies. NAHCON’s chairman, alongside Commissioner Policy Personnel Management and Finance, Alhaji Aliu Abdulrazak, and Deputy Makkah Coordinator, Director Alidu Shutti, promptly visited the location to assess the situation and ensure the welfare of the affected pilgrims.

NAHCON has taken steps to ensure the affected pilgrims are resettled and provided with necessary assistance. The commission’s chairman and team inspected the new accommodation and made arrangements for the pilgrims’ relocation. NAHCON has promised to work with the affected tour operators to provide support and cushion the impact of the incident.

The Chairman and Commissioner PPMF appreciated the prompt response of the Saudi emergency services and the cooperation of the hotel staff in managing the situation. “The Chairman thanked Almighty Allah that no life was lost in this unfortunate incident, promising that NAHCON will work with the affected Tour Operators to ensure that pilgrims are relocated and provided with the necessary assistance,” Fatima Usara stated.