At least 1,301 people died during Hajj - Saudi Arabia

BBC ^ | June 23 | BBC

[RandFan]

At least 1,301 people died during Hajj, Saudi Arabia says, mostly unauthorised pilgrims who walked long distances in intense heat.

This year's pilgrimage took place during a heatwave, with temperatures at times exceeding 50C (122F).

More than three-quarters of those who died did not have official permits to be there and walked under direct sunlight without adequate shelter, the official Saudi news agency SPA said.

Some of those who died were elderly or chronically ill, the agency added.

Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel said efforts had been made to raise awareness about the dangers of heat stress and how pilgrims could mitigate this.

Health facilities treated nearly half a million pilgrims, including more than 140,000 who did not have a permit, he said, and some were still in hospital for heat exhaustion.

"May Allah forgive and have mercy on the deceased. Our heartfelt condolences go to their families," he said.

[RandFan]

It’s true. I do remember hearing on the news of stampedes happening

[RandFan]

Yes I do remember the news mentioning this periodically in times gone by

[TexasFreeper2009]

what do you call it when 1301 Islamics die during black rock worship?

A good start.

[TexasFreeper2009]

or build a dome over it and add AC!

But don’t give them any ideas! Let them continue to off themselves

[Tommy Revolts]

I don’t want to be the first to say it.

[Beowulf9]

Well, it’s deadly heat. I know. I’m in Phoenix Az and we were doing 117 on that day.

[zeugma]

That’s what you call “a good start.”

Those are rookie numbers! Gott get them numbers up!