Free Republic

The September Hajj stampede killed at least 2,411 pilgrims, a new count shows, making it the deadliest in the history of the annual pilgrimage The September Hajj stampede killed at least 2,411 pilgrims, a new count shows, three times the number of deaths acknowledged by Saudi Arabia. The figures establish the crush on September 24 as the deadliest in the history of the annual pilgrimage. Saudi's official death toll of 769 people has not changed since September 26, and officials have yet to address the discrepancy. The kingdom rebuffed criticism from its regional rival Iran and efforts by other countries...

<p>In the worst tragedy in seven years at the annual Muslim pilgrimage, 244 worshippers were trampled to death and hundreds more were hurt beneath a crush of people making their way to a ritualistic stoning of the devil.</p> <p>Panic ensued when a few pilgrims fell on a bridge, and others tried to escape the push of the oncoming crowd, authorities said. Safety measures were in place at the site -- one where fatal stampedes have been frequent -- but "caution isn't stronger than fate," Saudi Hajj Minister Iyad Madani said.</p>