MECCA // Pilgrims are continuing with the final rites of Haj a day after more than 700 people died when two massive crowds collided, causing people to suffocate and trample over one another.
The Haj pilgrimage is a main pillar of Islam that all able-bodied Muslims must perform once in their lifetime. This year, around 2 million people from more than 180 countries took part in the five-day pilgrimage, which ends Saturday.
In Mina, just outside of Mecca, pilgrims took part in a symbolic casting away of evil on Friday.
Among those killed in Mina during the crush of people were pilgrims from Iran, Turkey, India and Pakistan.
Officials say eight Egyptians were among hundreds killed.
Egypt’s Religious Endowments Minister Mohammed Mokhtar Gomaa gave the state-run Mena news agency the death toll late Thursday night. He said another 30 Egyptians were injured.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Haj and Religious Affairs said Friday that eight Afghan pilgrims were still missing after the stampede. Both the Afghan government and the insurgent Taliban offered condolences to those affected.
Saudi authorities say at least 719 people were killed and 863 were wounded in the disaster.
Authorities also say at least 14 Indians and four Turks were killed in the crush.
* Associated Press
