The unfortunate incident occurred in Mina -- a large valley about three miles from the holy city of Mecca -- where pilgrims carry out a symbolic stoning of the devil by throwing pebbles against three stone columns.
The incident was said to have occurred in a morning surge of pilgrims at the intersection of streets 204 and 223 as the pilgrims made their way towards a large structure overlooking the columns.
Saudi Civil Defense Directorate reported that more than 800 other pilgrims were injured in the stampede, but it he did not clarify if some of those previously listed as injured were included in the rising death tolls.
The head of Iran’s hajj organization Saeed Ohadi said the incident might have been caused by the closure of a road.
Photos showed rescue workers helping wounded pilgrims onto stretchers and loading them into ambulances.
Some 2 million people are taking part in this year’s hajj pilgrimage, which began Tuesday.
The stampede is the deadliest disaster at the hajj since 2006, when more than 360 pilgrims were killed in a stampede in the same area.
Embarrassed by the situation, Saudi's crown prince Mohammed bin Nayef, who chairs the Saudi hajj committee has ordered an investigation during a meeting with senior officials responsible for the pilgrimage in Mina.
The findings of the investigation is expected to be submitted to King Salman, “who will take appropriate measures” in response, the official Saudi Press Agency said.
Saudi Civil Defense Directorate reported that more than 800 other pilgrims were injured in the stampede, but it he did not clarify if some of those previously listed as injured were included in the rising death tolls.
The head of Iran’s hajj organization Saeed Ohadi said the incident might have been caused by the closure of a road.
Photos showed rescue workers helping wounded pilgrims onto stretchers and loading them into ambulances.
Some 2 million people are taking part in this year’s hajj pilgrimage, which began Tuesday.
The stampede is the deadliest disaster at the hajj since 2006, when more than 360 pilgrims were killed in a stampede in the same area.
Embarrassed by the situation, Saudi's crown prince Mohammed bin Nayef, who chairs the Saudi hajj committee has ordered an investigation during a meeting with senior officials responsible for the pilgrimage in Mina.
The findings of the investigation is expected to be submitted to King Salman, “who will take appropriate measures” in response, the official Saudi Press Agency said.
Thursday's incident is the second major disaster in this year's hajj.
A massive construction crane had previously collapsed on Mecca’s Grand Mosque on September 11 as thousands were gathering for the hajj, killing about 108 people.
Saudi's crown prince has said the accident would not affect this year’s pilgrimage, assuring that the safety of pilgrims was a priority.
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