Saturday, January 7 2006 10:19 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mecca (Saudi Arabia): The death toll from the collapse of a hotel in the Saudi holy city of Mecca rose to 76 yesterday (Jan 06, 2006), the interior ministry said, adding that recovery operations had now been completed.

A further 62 people were wounded, ministry spokesman General Mansur al-Turki said, adding that he expected the toll to be final.

"We finished all operations today at 6 pm (2030 IST) and we have removed all the rubble," he said.