World · World News Bureau
Lightning strike hits Mecca's iconic clock tower
A lightning bolt has struck the Abraj Al-Bait clock tower in Mecca, one of the world's tallest clock towers and a prominent landmark in Islam's holiest city. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage.
LSN World News ·
The lightning strike hit the clock tower complex in Mecca during weather conditions, marking an unusual incident affecting one of the most recognizable structures in the kingdom. The Abraj Al-Bait tower, which dominates the skyline near the Grand Mosque, is among the world's tallest clock towers and a key architectural feature of the holy city.
The impact of the lightning strike on the tower's operational systems and structural integrity is being evaluated by relevant authorities. The clock tower houses observation decks and luxury facilities, in addition to its primary timekeeping function for pilgrims and residents.
The incident underscores the challenges of maintaining critical infrastructure in the region's climate conditions. The tower has previously undergone extensive maintenance and upgrades since its completion in 2012 to ensure its continued operation as a focal point for worshippers at the Grand Mosque.