Advertisement

Hajj stampede death toll rises to 769

The death toll of the stampede in Mina, Saudi Arabia has risen to 769, according to a government ...
Newstalk
Newstalk

16.40 26 Sep 2015


Share this article


Hajj stampede death toll rises...

Hajj stampede death toll rises to 769

Newstalk
Newstalk

16.40 26 Sep 2015


Share this article


The death toll of the stampede in Mina, Saudi Arabia has risen to 769, according to a government minister.

Over 800 people are believed to be injured after two crowds collided on Thursday morning, causing a stampede.

The country's King yesterday ordered a review of safety at the pilgrimage site, following the worst disaster to strike the Hajj pilgrimage for 25 years.

Advertisement

The crush happened in a morning surge of pilgrims at the intersection of streets 204 and 223 in Mina, a large valley about three miles east of Mecca. Two million pilgrims were taking part in the pilgrimage's last major rite, in which they throw seven stones at pillars where Satan is believed to have tempted the Prophet Abraham.

Saudi Arabia has attracted international criticism following the tragedy, with Iran's Supreme National Security Council accusing the country of 'incompetence,' and Nigeria dismissing claims by the Saudi Health Minister that pilgrims had 'not [been] following instructions.'

Just two weeks ago, a giant crane crashed down on the Grand Mosque in Mecca, killing 111 people and injuring more than 390.

In 2006 at least 346 Hajj pilgrims were killed in a stampede in the same area and in July 1990 around 1,400 pilgrims suffocated in a tunnel near Mecca.


Share this article


Read more about

News

Most Popular