The Saudi Civil Defence Authority confirmed that a crane collapsed through the ceiling of the mosque during strong winds created by a powerful storm. The collapse killed at least 111 people, and injured 394 others, trapping many in the debris created by the collapse. The incident reportedly occurred shortly before 5:10 p.m. on Friday. The crane fell into the east side of the mosque, with its boom crashing through the roofs of the eastern piazza. One witness reported that the crane fell on the third floor of the Mas'aa (space between Safa and Marwa) at 5:45 p.m. local time.