This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-34346449

The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Hajj stampede: At least 220 killed in Saudi Arabia Hajj stampede: At least 310 killed in Saudi Arabia
(about 1 hour later)
At least 220 people taking part in the Hajj pilgrimage have been killed in a stampede near the Islamic holy city of Mecca, officials in Saudi Arabia say. At least 310 people taking part in the Hajj pilgrimage have been killed in a stampede near the Islamic holy city of Mecca, officials in Saudi Arabia say.
Another 450 people were injured in the incident at Mina, between Mount Arafat and Mecca's Grand Mosque. Another 450 people were injured in the incident at Mina, which occurred as two million pilgrims were taking part in the Hajj's last major rite.
The stampede occurred as more than a million pilgrims were taking part in the last major rite of the Hajj. They converge on Mina to throw stones at pillars representing the devil.
Earlier this month, a crane collapsed at Mecca's Grand Mosque, killing 109 people and injuring some 400 others. Preparations for the Hajj were marred when a crane collapsed at Mecca's Grand Mosque this month, killing 109 people.
The Hajj had been largely incident-free for the past nine years as a result of a series of safety improvements made the Saudi authorities. The Saudi civil defence directorate said on Twitter that 4,000 personnel had been sent to the scene of Thursday's stampede, along with more than 220 emergency and rescue units. The injured are being taken to four hospitals in the area.
In 2006, a stampede during the symbolic stoning of the devil at Mina left 364 pilgrims dead. It was not immediately clear what triggered the stampede, but it is not the first to have occurred during the Hajj.
Hajj: Deadly incidents
2015: 107 people die after a crane collapses into the Grand Mosque
2006: 364 pilgrims die in a crush during the stone-throwing ritual
1997: 343 pilgrims killed and 1,500 injured in fire
1994: 270 killed in stampede
1990: 1,426 pilgrims killed in stampede inside tunnel leading to holy sites
1987: 400 people die as Saudi authorities confront pro-Iranian demonstration
Since 364 people were killed during the stoning ritual in 2006, the Saudi authorities have worked on improving transport and other infrastructure in the area in an attempt try to prevent such incidents.
For Muslims, the Hajj is the fifth and final pillar of Islam.
It is the journey that every able-bodied adult Muslim must undertake at least once in their lives if they can afford it.
Are you at Mecca, do you know someone who is? If it is safe to do so, let us know about your experiences. Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories.Are you at Mecca, do you know someone who is? If it is safe to do so, let us know about your experiences. Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:
Or please use the form below:Or please use the form below: