A tense moment unfolded in Mecca on Sunday afternoon, May 25, 2025, when hundreds of Ghanaian Hajj pilgrims were evacuated from the Rafahya Al-Seteen Hotel following a scare that left many shaken.
The exact cause of the alarm remains uncertain, but reports from people at the scene suggested either a fire outbreak or structural concerns on the hotel’s 12th floor. Some guests claimed they saw signs of a fire, while others said parts of the floor were giving way, causing widespread panic among occupants.
Emergency services, including Saudi fire and police personnel, arrived quickly and brought the situation under control. Thankfully, no injuries or casualties were recorded.
Even after authorities declared the building safe, many pilgrims were hesitant to return indoors. The shock of the incident left several of them gathered outside the hotel, visibly unsettled.
“It was very scary. Some of us thought the building was collapsing, so we just ran out with whatever we had,” said one Ghanaian pilgrim who experienced the panic firsthand.
The incident happened just as thousands of Muslims from across the globe continue to arrive in Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. For many of the Ghanaian pilgrims, the event disrupted what was meant to be a peaceful spiritual journey.
Ghanaian Hajj officials have not yet released an official statement, but there are calls from pilgrims for reassurance and improved safety measures.
