Related: 15 killed in building collapse in Saudi Arabia

Emergency workers sift through the rubble at the site of a collapsed building in the holy Muslim city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia January 5, 2006. (Photo: Xinhua/AFP)

    Beijing, Jan. 6 (Xinhuanet)-- The collapse of a hostel in the holy city of Mecca on Thursday has killed at least 20 people, the Saudi Interior Ministry said.

    It is the latest tragedy to mar the annual gathering of millions of Muslims in Islam's holiest city.

    The Interior Ministry said 59 people were injured.

    "The rescue operations are still ongoing," Interior Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mansour al-Turki told reporters late Thursday, about nine hours after the collapse.

    "Two buildings, one on each side of the hostel, have been evacuated as a precaution," Adel al-Zamzami, head of the rescue services, told reporters. He said a state committee was investigating the collapse.

    Saudi Red Crescent teams immediately rushed to the scene and were searching for people still trapped beneath the rubble.

    The tragedy occurred when pilgrims coming from different parts of the world converged in the Muslim holy city of Mecca to perform the hajj, which formally kicks off on Sunday. Enditem

    (Agencies)