This article is from the source 'guardian' 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.theguardian.com/world/live/2015/sep/24/hajj-crush-kills-scores-near-mecca-live-coverage

The article has changed 16 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 12 Version 13
Mecca: hajj crush kills hundreds near holy city – as it happened Mecca: hajj crush kills hundreds near holy city – as it happened
(12 days later)
5.17pm BST17:175.17pm BST17:17
SummarySummary
5.15pm BST17:155.15pm BST17:15
Here are a couple of eyewitness accounts submitted through GuardianWitness:Here are a couple of eyewitness accounts submitted through GuardianWitness:
Bashaar Jamil from LondonBashaar Jamil from London
“I was there in the morning after the prayers. There were thousands of people going in via the entry tunnel and people coming out from the exit tunnel. Until we reached the stone throwing area, it was congested but after that it was fine.“I was there in the morning after the prayers. There were thousands of people going in via the entry tunnel and people coming out from the exit tunnel. Until we reached the stone throwing area, it was congested but after that it was fine.
The exit then got cramped as people were trying to leave as quickly as possible. I was with my mum and luckily we got out literally 20 to 30 mins before the stampede started. Apparently, the exit tunnel was closed by the authorities and people were using one tunnel to go in and come out.The exit then got cramped as people were trying to leave as quickly as possible. I was with my mum and luckily we got out literally 20 to 30 mins before the stampede started. Apparently, the exit tunnel was closed by the authorities and people were using one tunnel to go in and come out.
Makes no sense as you have huge crowd going in and going out with no traffic control system. Saudi authorities may have spent on expansion but certainly not on safety. There is no disabled toilet, access for elderly, emergency escape for the poorly; these all are basic requirements which I believe the government has failed to achieve.”Makes no sense as you have huge crowd going in and going out with no traffic control system. Saudi authorities may have spent on expansion but certainly not on safety. There is no disabled toilet, access for elderly, emergency escape for the poorly; these all are basic requirements which I believe the government has failed to achieve.”
Sharek Kader from Bangladesh, said this is his first time at the hajj and he was there with five other people:Sharek Kader from Bangladesh, said this is his first time at the hajj and he was there with five other people:
“I was there after sunrise but decided to throw the stones from the 3rd level instead of the first as most of the people were rushing towards level one. It’s tragic, but the authorities cannot do much as people tend to move with the flow. Its very easy to blame the Saudis, however, better pre hajj training should be made mandatory before giving visas to someone of the countries.“I was there after sunrise but decided to throw the stones from the 3rd level instead of the first as most of the people were rushing towards level one. It’s tragic, but the authorities cannot do much as people tend to move with the flow. Its very easy to blame the Saudis, however, better pre hajj training should be made mandatory before giving visas to someone of the countries.
He adds that “despite the tragedy the Kaaba is totally packed with hajis”.He adds that “despite the tragedy the Kaaba is totally packed with hajis”.
5.03pm BST17:035.03pm BST17:03
Al-Aribya is reporting some highly inflammatory comments allegedly made by a member of the central hajj committee:Al-Aribya is reporting some highly inflammatory comments allegedly made by a member of the central hajj committee:
From al-Jazeera:From al-Jazeera:
The head of Central Hajj Committee Prince Khaled al-Faisal blamed the stampede on “some pilgrims from African nationalities”, according to Saudi-owned al-Arabiya ChannelThe head of Central Hajj Committee Prince Khaled al-Faisal blamed the stampede on “some pilgrims from African nationalities”, according to Saudi-owned al-Arabiya Channel
Updated at 5.04pm BSTUpdated at 5.04pm BST
4.45pm BST16:454.45pm BST16:45
AP has some more details the Saudi interior ministry suggesting pilgrims are to blame rather than the authorities:AP has some more details the Saudi interior ministry suggesting pilgrims are to blame rather than the authorities:
Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mansour al-Turki said high temperatures and the fatigue of the pilgrims might also have been factors in Thursday’s disaster, the deadliest event to afflict the hajj pilgrimage in more than two decades.Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mansour al-Turki said high temperatures and the fatigue of the pilgrims might also have been factors in Thursday’s disaster, the deadliest event to afflict the hajj pilgrimage in more than two decades.
He says there is no indication that authorities are to blame for the event, saying “unfortunately, these incidents happen in a moment.”He says there is no indication that authorities are to blame for the event, saying “unfortunately, these incidents happen in a moment.”
Al-Turki says King Salman has ordered the creation of committee to investigate the incident.Al-Turki says King Salman has ordered the creation of committee to investigate the incident.
4.37pm BST16:374.37pm BST16:37
The Saudi interior ministry says the death toll may rise further, al-Arabiya is reporting.The Saudi interior ministry says the death toll may rise further, al-Arabiya is reporting.
4.35pm BST16:354.35pm BST16:35
The number of Iranian victims has risen to 89, more than 10% of the total.The number of Iranian victims has risen to 89, more than 10% of the total.
Now 89 Iranians among the over 700 dead in #MinaStampede. #hajj #SaudiArabiaNow 89 Iranians among the over 700 dead in #MinaStampede. #hajj #SaudiArabia
4.25pm BST16:254.25pm BST16:25
Eman al-Nafjan, who blogs under the name Saudiwoman, has been tweeting reasons given by Saudi authorities for past deaths in stampedes during the hajj.Eman al-Nafjan, who blogs under the name Saudiwoman, has been tweeting reasons given by Saudi authorities for past deaths in stampedes during the hajj.
A lot of the reasons given in the past seem to bear a similarity to those given for today’s tragedy health minister Khaled al-Falih who suggested undisciplined pilgrims were to blame. Some of the tweets are below. At the least, they raise questions about whether enough has been done to tackle the causes of such stampedes.A lot of the reasons given in the past seem to bear a similarity to those given for today’s tragedy health minister Khaled al-Falih who suggested undisciplined pilgrims were to blame. Some of the tweets are below. At the least, they raise questions about whether enough has been done to tackle the causes of such stampedes.
#Hajj 2015 stampede death toll: so far 717. Reason given: http://t.co/nrH8j1lcWT pic.twitter.com/DXwAwBkLyH#Hajj 2015 stampede death toll: so far 717. Reason given: http://t.co/nrH8j1lcWT pic.twitter.com/DXwAwBkLyH
#Hajj 2006 stampede death toll: 345. Reason given: http://t.co/qiHlSTj8r2 pic.twitter.com/JQteIrJJlS#Hajj 2006 stampede death toll: 345. Reason given: http://t.co/qiHlSTj8r2 pic.twitter.com/JQteIrJJlS
#Hajj 2004 stampede death toll: 244. Reason given: http://t.co/N8OX68qGdt pic.twitter.com/KjwSztV5Cr#Hajj 2004 stampede death toll: 244. Reason given: http://t.co/N8OX68qGdt pic.twitter.com/KjwSztV5Cr
#Hajj 2003 stampede death toll: 14. Reason given: http://t.co/XhYuo6ZvGv pic.twitter.com/lKy359aSAo#Hajj 2003 stampede death toll: 14. Reason given: http://t.co/XhYuo6ZvGv pic.twitter.com/lKy359aSAo
#Hajj 2001 stampede death toll: 35. Reason given: http://t.co/KYuadiAF2b pic.twitter.com/bWS8moYwZt#Hajj 2001 stampede death toll: 35. Reason given: http://t.co/KYuadiAF2b pic.twitter.com/bWS8moYwZt
#Hajj 1990 stampede deaths: 1400. Reason given: http://t.co/lPY2i6bbJS pic.twitter.com/8tLlZo8ql9#Hajj 1990 stampede deaths: 1400. Reason given: http://t.co/lPY2i6bbJS pic.twitter.com/8tLlZo8ql9
Patterns in #Hajj fire & stampede deaths & official reasons since 1990(check PTs): 1-pilgrims are blamed 2-lull during King Abdullah's reignPatterns in #Hajj fire & stampede deaths & official reasons since 1990(check PTs): 1-pilgrims are blamed 2-lull during King Abdullah's reign
Updated at 4.32pm BSTUpdated at 4.32pm BST
4.16pm BST16:164.16pm BST16:16
Ap has spoken to two survivors of the crash:Ap has spoken to two survivors of the crash:
“I saw someone trip over someone in a wheelchair and several people tripping over him. People were climbing over one another just to breathe,” said one of the survivors, Abdullah Lotfy, 44, from Egypt. “It was like a wave. You go forward and suddenly you go back.”“I saw someone trip over someone in a wheelchair and several people tripping over him. People were climbing over one another just to breathe,” said one of the survivors, Abdullah Lotfy, 44, from Egypt. “It was like a wave. You go forward and suddenly you go back.”
Lotfy said that having two flows of pilgrims interacting in this way should never have happened. “There was no preparation. What happened was more than they were ready for,” he said of the Saudi authorities ...Lotfy said that having two flows of pilgrims interacting in this way should never have happened. “There was no preparation. What happened was more than they were ready for,” he said of the Saudi authorities ...
Another survivor, Ismail Hamba, 58, from Nigeria, recalled falling down and then being trampled over by marching pilgrims.Another survivor, Ismail Hamba, 58, from Nigeria, recalled falling down and then being trampled over by marching pilgrims.
“It was terrible, it was really, really terrible,” he said.“It was terrible, it was really, really terrible,” he said.
Another pilgrim criticised the organisation of this year’s hajj to AFP:Another pilgrim criticised the organisation of this year’s hajj to AFP:
A Sudanese pilgrim in Mina said this year’s hajj was the most poorly organised of four he had attended.A Sudanese pilgrim in Mina said this year’s hajj was the most poorly organised of four he had attended.
“People were already dehydrated and fainting” before the stampede, said the pilgrim who declined to be named.“People were already dehydrated and fainting” before the stampede, said the pilgrim who declined to be named.
People “were tripping all over each other”, he said, adding that a Saudi companion had warned him that “something was going to happen”.People “were tripping all over each other”, he said, adding that a Saudi companion had warned him that “something was going to happen”.
4.06pm BST16:064.06pm BST16:06
Saudi site al-Arabiya has details of a press conference given today by a Saudi interior ministry spokesman, in which he said that the crush was caused by convergence of pilgrims coming from two different streets:Saudi site al-Arabiya has details of a press conference given today by a Saudi interior ministry spokesman, in which he said that the crush was caused by convergence of pilgrims coming from two different streets:
Saudi Interior Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mansour al-Turki told reporters that the incident took place when two pathways converged at the the same time. The majority of Thursday’s victims, according to al-Turki, descended onto a pathway toward Jamarat during a time that was not allocated to them.Saudi Interior Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mansour al-Turki told reporters that the incident took place when two pathways converged at the the same time. The majority of Thursday’s victims, according to al-Turki, descended onto a pathway toward Jamarat during a time that was not allocated to them.
When asked why authorities could not expand the areas of the camp city of Mina and Mashar to accommodate the huge numbers of pilgrims, al-Turki said: “As per the boundaries of of Mashar and Mina areas, we cannot possibly expand the locations as both Mashar and Mina have set boundaries that are dictated by Islamic principles for Hajj proceedings.”When asked why authorities could not expand the areas of the camp city of Mina and Mashar to accommodate the huge numbers of pilgrims, al-Turki said: “As per the boundaries of of Mashar and Mina areas, we cannot possibly expand the locations as both Mashar and Mina have set boundaries that are dictated by Islamic principles for Hajj proceedings.”
Al-Aarabiya also reports that Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed bin Nayef has ordered an inquiry “into finding why procedures and protocols were not followed at the time of the stampede”.Al-Aarabiya also reports that Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed bin Nayef has ordered an inquiry “into finding why procedures and protocols were not followed at the time of the stampede”.
3.55pm BST15:553.55pm BST15:55
Britain’s chief rabbi has said his prayers are with those affected:Britain’s chief rabbi has said his prayers are with those affected:
My thoughts and prayers are with the many who have tragically died and been injured today near #Mecca taking part in the HajjMy thoughts and prayers are with the many who have tragically died and been injured today near #Mecca taking part in the Hajj
3.33pm BST15:333.33pm BST15:33
The Church of England has offered up prayers for those who have been caught up in the hajj tragedy, PA reports. It is for those who have died, are working to save life and for those who are worried for people they love.The Church of England has offered up prayers for those who have been caught up in the hajj tragedy, PA reports. It is for those who have died, are working to save life and for those who are worried for people they love.
3.24pm BST15:243.24pm BST15:24
Al Jazeera journalist Basma Atassi reports that the streets between camps in Mina remain very crowded.Al Jazeera journalist Basma Atassi reports that the streets between camps in Mina remain very crowded.
Check out how crowded are the streets between camps in Mina #Hajj2015. Follow me in real-time http://t.co/GgLg8siUOO pic.twitter.com/qZ1NVbRKpjCheck out how crowded are the streets between camps in Mina #Hajj2015. Follow me in real-time http://t.co/GgLg8siUOO pic.twitter.com/qZ1NVbRKpj
3.14pm BST15:143.14pm BST15:14
It is still not known if any of the dead are British but the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has said it is in contact with the local authorities. It is estimated that around 25,000 British nationals head overseas from the UK to Saudi Arabia for the hajj, according to Abta, the travel association.It is still not known if any of the dead are British but the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has said it is in contact with the local authorities. It is estimated that around 25,000 British nationals head overseas from the UK to Saudi Arabia for the hajj, according to Abta, the travel association.
Rashid Mogradia, of the Council of British Hajjis, a national organisation which looks after the welfare of pilgrims who are going to Mecca, told BBC News:Rashid Mogradia, of the Council of British Hajjis, a national organisation which looks after the welfare of pilgrims who are going to Mecca, told BBC News:
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected.Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected.
It is tragic news. On the one hand we have Muslims all around the world and here in the UK celebrating Eid while we have this tragic incident unfolding before us in Mina, Saudi Arabia.It is tragic news. On the one hand we have Muslims all around the world and here in the UK celebrating Eid while we have this tragic incident unfolding before us in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
We have been in contact with a number of tour operators who have taken around 20,000 British pilgrims out for the hajj making up that figure of two million pilgrims.We have been in contact with a number of tour operators who have taken around 20,000 British pilgrims out for the hajj making up that figure of two million pilgrims.
We are seeing on a hourly basis and now minute-by-minute the numbers are increasing and we hope that will be the end of what we hear.We are seeing on a hourly basis and now minute-by-minute the numbers are increasing and we hope that will be the end of what we hear.
There is a lot that has been done as far as infrastructure has been concerned, however we need to understand what has gone on today and how it can be improved so that further casualties and further incidents do not take place.There is a lot that has been done as far as infrastructure has been concerned, however we need to understand what has gone on today and how it can be improved so that further casualties and further incidents do not take place.
Britons who are facing an anxious wait to hear of their loves ones have been tweeting their concerns.Britons who are facing an anxious wait to hear of their loves ones have been tweeting their concerns.
News of deaths during the Hajj pilgrimage stampede is making me worry as my mom and her best friend are there now.News of deaths during the Hajj pilgrimage stampede is making me worry as my mom and her best friend are there now.
Absolutely heart breaking about what's happened at Hajj. I have a friend whose parents are there. I can only hope they're safe.Absolutely heart breaking about what's happened at Hajj. I have a friend whose parents are there. I can only hope they're safe.
What is happening??? so sad to read this.. I have one of my best friend there with his wife ; worried sick about... http://t.co/cjzgalpnJ2What is happening??? so sad to read this.. I have one of my best friend there with his wife ; worried sick about... http://t.co/cjzgalpnJ2
Updated at 3.19pm BSTUpdated at 3.19pm BST
2.54pm BST14:542.54pm BST14:54
A Saudi activist opposed to the Mecca development project, has blamed corruption for the failure to prevent such accidents recurring. The activist said:A Saudi activist opposed to the Mecca development project, has blamed corruption for the failure to prevent such accidents recurring. The activist said:
We are not that much surprised at the accident. We are expecting worse every time. Since this disaster has happened before, so we all expecting that it’s normal to have such a disaster. Maybe it is not normal in other countries, but on account of the corruption that’s going on here in our country ,anything can easily make a disaster for us. We should expect worse and worse.We are not that much surprised at the accident. We are expecting worse every time. Since this disaster has happened before, so we all expecting that it’s normal to have such a disaster. Maybe it is not normal in other countries, but on account of the corruption that’s going on here in our country ,anything can easily make a disaster for us. We should expect worse and worse.
Other countries don’t have such a budget every year that we do. Unfortunately, with a country which has the richest income, and comparing to the number of people who are living in this country, unfortunately we don’t have the plans, the strategy to manage this. The problem is the corruption in using the resources of the country for building things in the right form.Other countries don’t have such a budget every year that we do. Unfortunately, with a country which has the richest income, and comparing to the number of people who are living in this country, unfortunately we don’t have the plans, the strategy to manage this. The problem is the corruption in using the resources of the country for building things in the right form.
Unfortunately the government are pointing the finger against the lower levels, saying for example ‘Where are the ambulances, where are the health care workers to manage the people who are injured?’ They try to escape from the real reason of such disaster.Unfortunately the government are pointing the finger against the lower levels, saying for example ‘Where are the ambulances, where are the health care workers to manage the people who are injured?’ They try to escape from the real reason of such disaster.
2.37pm BST14:372.37pm BST14:37
Saudi health minister blames undisciplined pilgrimsSaudi health minister blames undisciplined pilgrims
Saudi health minister Khaled al-Falih has blamed undisciplined pilgrims for the tragedy, saying it could have been avoided if they had “followed instructions”.Saudi health minister Khaled al-Falih has blamed undisciplined pilgrims for the tragedy, saying it could have been avoided if they had “followed instructions”.
2.34pm BST14:342.34pm BST14:34
The number of injured has risen to 863, according to Saudi civil defence.The number of injured has risen to 863, according to Saudi civil defence.
1.44pm BST13:441.44pm BST13:44
SummarySummary
1.39pm BST13:391.39pm BST13:39
Death toll rises to 717Death toll rises to 717
The death toll has risen to 717 dead and 805 injured, Saudi authorities say.The death toll has risen to 717 dead and 805 injured, Saudi authorities say.
1.32pm BST13:321.32pm BST13:32
The crush took place on Street 204, a road between pilgrim camps, and not at the site of the stoning the devil ritual, according to an al-Jazeera journalist who has been reporting from Mina.The crush took place on Street 204, a road between pilgrim camps, and not at the site of the stoning the devil ritual, according to an al-Jazeera journalist who has been reporting from Mina.
1.19pm BST13:191.19pm BST13:19
The death toll is now the highest during the pilgrimage since 1990, when, in the worst hajj-related tragedy, 1,426 people died in a stampede in an overcrowded pedestrian tunnel leading to holy sites in Mecca.The death toll is now the highest during the pilgrimage since 1990, when, in the worst hajj-related tragedy, 1,426 people died in a stampede in an overcrowded pedestrian tunnel leading to holy sites in Mecca.
Here are pictures from the hospital in Mina:Here are pictures from the hospital in Mina:
Staff at Emergency Hospital in Mina rush to rescue injured from the Hajj stampede —State TV pic.twitter.com/Iew57HPyulStaff at Emergency Hospital in Mina rush to rescue injured from the Hajj stampede —State TV pic.twitter.com/Iew57HPyul
1.04pm BST13:041.04pm BST13:04
Iran now says that 43 of its citizens have died in the crush:Iran now says that 43 of its citizens have died in the crush:
#BREAKING Iranian death toll at hajj stampede rises to 43 -- currently near one tenth total killed @AFP #Iran #hajj#BREAKING Iranian death toll at hajj stampede rises to 43 -- currently near one tenth total killed @AFP #Iran #hajj
12.52pm BST12:5212.52pm BST12:52
Iran said at least 15 of its citizens have died in Mina and has accused its bitter enemy, Saudi Arabia, of safety errors in connection with the tragedy, AFP reports.Iran said at least 15 of its citizens have died in Mina and has accused its bitter enemy, Saudi Arabia, of safety errors in connection with the tragedy, AFP reports.
The head of Iran’s hajj organisation, Said Ohadi, said that for “unknown reasons” two paths had been closed off near the scene of the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual where the accident later took place.The head of Iran’s hajj organisation, Said Ohadi, said that for “unknown reasons” two paths had been closed off near the scene of the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual where the accident later took place.
“This caused this tragic incident,” he said on Iranian state television, giving the death toll, indicating that fatalities and casualties could rise.“This caused this tragic incident,” he said on Iranian state television, giving the death toll, indicating that fatalities and casualties could rise.
Ohadi said the path closures had left only three routes to the area where the stoning ceremony was held.Ohadi said the path closures had left only three routes to the area where the stoning ceremony was held.
“Today’s incident shows mismanagement and lack of serious attention to the safety of pilgrims. There is no other explanation. The Saudi officials should be held accountable.”“Today’s incident shows mismanagement and lack of serious attention to the safety of pilgrims. There is no other explanation. The Saudi officials should be held accountable.”
Iran’s deputy foreign minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said Saudi Arabia’s envoy would be summoned to the foreign ministry in Tehran over the incident.Iran’s deputy foreign minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said Saudi Arabia’s envoy would be summoned to the foreign ministry in Tehran over the incident.
“We can in no way be indifferent to this irresponsible behaviour of Saudi Arabia. This will be dealt with through diplomatic channels,” he said on state television.“We can in no way be indifferent to this irresponsible behaviour of Saudi Arabia. This will be dealt with through diplomatic channels,” he said on state television.
He also accused Saudi officials of “tactlessness” over the lack of safety measures at the hajj and said Iran had set up a special headquarters at the accident site to support Iranian pilgrims.He also accused Saudi officials of “tactlessness” over the lack of safety measures at the hajj and said Iran had set up a special headquarters at the accident site to support Iranian pilgrims.
“Saudi Arabian officials are responsible for this incident and they should immediately endeavour to take effective measures for managing the existing crisis and providing full security for pilgrims,” he was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency.“Saudi Arabian officials are responsible for this incident and they should immediately endeavour to take effective measures for managing the existing crisis and providing full security for pilgrims,” he was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency.
To put the comments in context, Iran and Saudi Arabia have been fighting proxy wars in a number of countries, including Syria and Yemen.To put the comments in context, Iran and Saudi Arabia have been fighting proxy wars in a number of countries, including Syria and Yemen.
12.43pm BST12:4312.43pm BST12:43
If you’re taking part in the hajj pilgrimage and have been affected by Thursday’s events near Mecca, you can share your stories and eyewitness accounts direct with our journalists by using GuardianWitness - just click on the blue ‘Contribute’ buttons here or via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44 (0) 7867 825056If you’re taking part in the hajj pilgrimage and have been affected by Thursday’s events near Mecca, you can share your stories and eyewitness accounts direct with our journalists by using GuardianWitness - just click on the blue ‘Contribute’ buttons here or via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44 (0) 7867 825056
12.32pm BST12:3212.32pm BST12:32
Business secretary Sajid Javid, the most senior Muslim in the UK government, has added his condolences to those affected by the Mina tragedy:Business secretary Sajid Javid, the most senior Muslim in the UK government, has added his condolences to those affected by the Mina tragedy:
Very saddened to hear reports of stampede & death at annual #Hajj pilgrimage. Thoughts & prayers with all those affected and their familiesVery saddened to hear reports of stampede & death at annual #Hajj pilgrimage. Thoughts & prayers with all those affected and their families
Updated at 12.36pm BSTUpdated at 12.36pm BST
12.26pm BST12:2612.26pm BST12:26
Death toll rises to 453Death toll rises to 453
The death toll has sadly continued to rise. The latest from Saudi civil defence is 453 killed and 719 injuredThe death toll has sadly continued to rise. The latest from Saudi civil defence is 453 killed and 719 injured
Updated at 12.28pm BSTUpdated at 12.28pm BST
12.23pm BST12:2312.23pm BST12:23
Reuters has some details of the measures taken by the Saudi authorities to try to avoid a repeat of past tragedies:Reuters has some details of the measures taken by the Saudi authorities to try to avoid a repeat of past tragedies:
Efforts to improve safety at Jamarat have included enlarging the three pillars and constructing a triple-decker bridge around them to increase the area and number of entry and exit points for pilgrims to perform the ritual.Efforts to improve safety at Jamarat have included enlarging the three pillars and constructing a triple-decker bridge around them to increase the area and number of entry and exit points for pilgrims to perform the ritual.
More than 100,000 police and thousands of video cameras are also deployed to allow groups to be dispersed before they reach dangerous levels of density.More than 100,000 police and thousands of video cameras are also deployed to allow groups to be dispersed before they reach dangerous levels of density.
“Please pilgrims do not push one another. Please leave from the exit and don’t come back by the same route,” an officer kept repeating through a loudspeaker at Jamarat.“Please pilgrims do not push one another. Please leave from the exit and don’t come back by the same route,” an officer kept repeating through a loudspeaker at Jamarat.
12.17pm BST12:1712.17pm BST12:17
More than 220 ambulances and 4,000 rescue workers have been sent to the location of the tragedy.More than 220 ambulances and 4,000 rescue workers have been sent to the location of the tragedy.
Meanwhile, pilgrims continue to arrive in Mina for the stone-throwing ritual.Meanwhile, pilgrims continue to arrive in Mina for the stone-throwing ritual.
Hajj unobstructed by stampede, pilgrims still arriving http://t.co/GgLg8siUOO pic.twitter.com/80yx8z0V6wHajj unobstructed by stampede, pilgrims still arriving http://t.co/GgLg8siUOO pic.twitter.com/80yx8z0V6w
12.09pm BST12:0912.09pm BST12:09
Number of injured rises to 631Number of injured rises to 631
The number of injured has risen to 631, according to Saudi civil defence.The number of injured has risen to 631, according to Saudi civil defence.
12.07pm BST12:0712.07pm BST12:07
Below is a map created by my colleague Paddy Allen showing the location of the crush:Below is a map created by my colleague Paddy Allen showing the location of the crush:
Updated at 1.21pm BSTUpdated at 1.21pm BST
12.05pm BST12:0512.05pm BST12:05
Saudi Red Crescent says that air ambulances are helping to ferry people from hospitals in Mina and directly from the scene of the crush. The temperature is reportedly 40 degrees C plus, hence people holding umbrellas in a number of the pictures.Saudi Red Crescent says that air ambulances are helping to ferry people from hospitals in Mina and directly from the scene of the crush. The temperature is reportedly 40 degrees C plus, hence people holding umbrellas in a number of the pictures.
عاجل: الإسعاف الجوي يسهم في إخلاء مستشفيات منى والمشاعر المقدسة لإستقبال وإستيعاب الحالات الجديدة من حادثة التدافع. pic.twitter.com/FnISBWwh9uعاجل: الإسعاف الجوي يسهم في إخلاء مستشفيات منى والمشاعر المقدسة لإستقبال وإستيعاب الحالات الجديدة من حادثة التدافع. pic.twitter.com/FnISBWwh9u
أسود رجال الهيئة البواسل بميدان الحدث الأن. pic.twitter.com/GhrPNYUPplأسود رجال الهيئة البواسل بميدان الحدث الأن. pic.twitter.com/GhrPNYUPpl
من داخل الحدث بمنى الأن pic.twitter.com/JtN1CnwONIمن داخل الحدث بمنى الأن pic.twitter.com/JtN1CnwONI
11.40am BST11:4011.40am BST11:40
David Cameron has expressed his sympathy for those affected by the tragedy:David Cameron has expressed his sympathy for those affected by the tragedy:
PM: My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed in a stampede at the annual Hajj pilgrimage near Mecca.PM: My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed in a stampede at the annual Hajj pilgrimage near Mecca.
Updated at 11.41am BSTUpdated at 11.41am BST
11.38am BST11:3811.38am BST11:38
AJ+ reporter Ethar El-Katatney is on hajj and has been tweeting and periscoping from Mina.AJ+ reporter Ethar El-Katatney is on hajj and has been tweeting and periscoping from Mina.
The sound of sirens in Mina is overwhelming. #hajjThe sound of sirens in Mina is overwhelming. #hajj
just saw a body in minna being covered with sheets and put on a stretcher. ya Allah. #hajjjust saw a body in minna being covered with sheets and put on a stretcher. ya Allah. #hajj
LIVE on #Periscope: Menna right now, where 300+ people have died https://t.co/d7RQBxgNeDLIVE on #Periscope: Menna right now, where 300+ people have died https://t.co/d7RQBxgNeD
11.04am BST11:0411.04am BST11:04
AFP has more details of the stoning the devil ritual, during which the stampede occurred.AFP has more details of the stoning the devil ritual, during which the stampede occurred.
Thursday’s ritual was taking place at a five-storey structure known as the Jamarat Bridge, which cost more than $1 billion (£0.66 billion) to build, and which was used during earlier pilgrimages.Thursday’s ritual was taking place at a five-storey structure known as the Jamarat Bridge, which cost more than $1 billion (£0.66 billion) to build, and which was used during earlier pilgrimages.
Almost one kilometre (less than a mile) long, it resembles a parking garage and allows 300,000 pilgrims an hour to carry out the ritual.Almost one kilometre (less than a mile) long, it resembles a parking garage and allows 300,000 pilgrims an hour to carry out the ritual.
The faithful had gathered until dawn Thursday at nearby Muzdalifah where they chose their pebbles and stored them in empty water bottles.The faithful had gathered until dawn Thursday at nearby Muzdalifah where they chose their pebbles and stored them in empty water bottles.
They had spent a day of prayer Wednesday on a vast Saudi plain and Mount Arafat, a rocky hill about 10 kilometres (six miles) from Mina, for the peak of the hajj pilgrimage.They had spent a day of prayer Wednesday on a vast Saudi plain and Mount Arafat, a rocky hill about 10 kilometres (six miles) from Mina, for the peak of the hajj pilgrimage.
It was not immediately clear if the stoning ritual at Mina would continue as planned until Saturday after the stampede.It was not immediately clear if the stoning ritual at Mina would continue as planned until Saturday after the stampede.
The ritual emulates the Prophet Abraham, who is said to have stoned the devil at three locations when he tried to dissuade Abraham from God’s order to sacrifice his son Ishmael.The ritual emulates the Prophet Abraham, who is said to have stoned the devil at three locations when he tried to dissuade Abraham from God’s order to sacrifice his son Ishmael.
At the last moment, God spares the boy, sending a sheep to be sacrificed in his place.At the last moment, God spares the boy, sending a sheep to be sacrificed in his place.
The world’s Muslims commemorated Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son by slaughtering cows, sheep and other animals on Thursday.The world’s Muslims commemorated Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son by slaughtering cows, sheep and other animals on Thursday.
10.57am BST10:5710.57am BST10:57
The Saudi press agency said today that the the total number of pilgrims for this year’s hajj was 1.95m, which included 1.38m foreigners.The Saudi press agency said today that the the total number of pilgrims for this year’s hajj was 1.95m, which included 1.38m foreigners.
10.52am BST10:5210.52am BST10:52
Approximately 25,000 UK nationals travel to Saudi Arabia for the hajj, according to the Britihs Hajji Delegation, which provides on the ground medical support to British citizens during the pilgrimage.Approximately 25,000 UK nationals travel to Saudi Arabia for the hajj, according to the Britihs Hajji Delegation, which provides on the ground medical support to British citizens during the pilgrimage.
A spokesman for the UK foreign office said:A spokesman for the UK foreign office said:
We are in contact with local authorities and urgently seeking more information following reports of a crush during the hajj pilgrimage at Mecca.We are in contact with local authorities and urgently seeking more information following reports of a crush during the hajj pilgrimage at Mecca.
10.45am BST10:4510.45am BST10:45
Death toll rises to 310Death toll rises to 310
The death toll continues to rise. It now stands at 310, according to Saudi civil defence. Unsurprisingly, given that pilgrims gather from all over the world, it says several nationalities are among the dead.The death toll continues to rise. It now stands at 310, according to Saudi civil defence. Unsurprisingly, given that pilgrims gather from all over the world, it says several nationalities are among the dead.
10.25am BST10:2510.25am BST10:25
More unverified video footage purporting to be from Mina shows rows of covered up bodies lying on the ground.More unverified video footage purporting to be from Mina shows rows of covered up bodies lying on the ground.
Updated at 10.40am BSTUpdated at 10.40am BST
10.22am BST10:2210.22am BST10:22
AP has posted a list of accidents and tragedies which have marred previous hajj pilgrimages. It does not include the collapse of a crane in Mecca earlier this month, which killed more than 100, because that occurred days before the hajj began. The list shows that major loss of life during the pilgrimage had not occurred for some time.AP has posted a list of accidents and tragedies which have marred previous hajj pilgrimages. It does not include the collapse of a crane in Mecca earlier this month, which killed more than 100, because that occurred days before the hajj began. The list shows that major loss of life during the pilgrimage had not occurred for some time.
2015: At least 150 people are killed and 400 injured in a stampede in Mina, on the outskirts of the holy city of Mecca. In the lead-up to hajj, at least 107 people are killed and scores wounded when a crane collapses in bad weather, crashing onto the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Islam’s holiest site.___2006: More than 360 pilgrims are killed in a stampede at the desert plain of Mina, near Mecca, where pilgrims carry out a symbolic stoning of the devil by throwing pebbles against three stone walls. The day before the hajj began, an eight-story building being used as a hostel near the Grand Mosque in Mecca collapsed, killing at least 73 people.___2004: A crush of pilgrims at Mina kills 244 pilgrims and injures hundreds on the final day of the hajj ceremonies.___2001: A stampede at Mina during the final day of the pilgrimage ceremonies kills 35 hajj pilgrims.___1998: About 180 pilgrims are trampled to death in panic after several of them fell off an overpass during the final stoning ritual at Mina.___1997: At least 340 pilgrims are killed in a fire at the tent city of Mina as the blaze was aided by high winds. More than 1,500 were injured.___1994: Some 270 pilgrims are killed in a stampede during the stoning ritual at Mina.___1990: The worst hajj-related tragedy claims the lives of 1,426 pilgrims in a stampede in an overcrowded pedestrian tunnel leading to holy sites in Mecca.2015: At least 150 people are killed and 400 injured in a stampede in Mina, on the outskirts of the holy city of Mecca. In the lead-up to hajj, at least 107 people are killed and scores wounded when a crane collapses in bad weather, crashing onto the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Islam’s holiest site.___2006: More than 360 pilgrims are killed in a stampede at the desert plain of Mina, near Mecca, where pilgrims carry out a symbolic stoning of the devil by throwing pebbles against three stone walls. The day before the hajj began, an eight-story building being used as a hostel near the Grand Mosque in Mecca collapsed, killing at least 73 people.___2004: A crush of pilgrims at Mina kills 244 pilgrims and injures hundreds on the final day of the hajj ceremonies.___2001: A stampede at Mina during the final day of the pilgrimage ceremonies kills 35 hajj pilgrims.___1998: About 180 pilgrims are trampled to death in panic after several of them fell off an overpass during the final stoning ritual at Mina.___1997: At least 340 pilgrims are killed in a fire at the tent city of Mina as the blaze was aided by high winds. More than 1,500 were injured.___1994: Some 270 pilgrims are killed in a stampede during the stoning ritual at Mina.___1990: The worst hajj-related tragedy claims the lives of 1,426 pilgrims in a stampede in an overcrowded pedestrian tunnel leading to holy sites in Mecca.
10.12am BST10:1210.12am BST10:12
Pilgrims had converged on Mina just outside Mecca on Thursday to throw pebbles at one of three walls representing Satan, the symbolic “stoning of the devil” that is part of the hajj.Pilgrims had converged on Mina just outside Mecca on Thursday to throw pebbles at one of three walls representing Satan, the symbolic “stoning of the devil” that is part of the hajj.
In January 2006, 364 pilgrims were killed in a stampede during the ritual.In January 2006, 364 pilgrims were killed in a stampede during the ritual.
The hajj is among the five pillars of Islam and every capable Muslim must perform it at least once in a lifetime.The hajj is among the five pillars of Islam and every capable Muslim must perform it at least once in a lifetime.
10.08am BST10:0810.08am BST10:08
Unverified video footage of the aftermath of the crush has emerged. Clothes can be seen strewn on the ground. WARNING: Contains upsetting images.Unverified video footage of the aftermath of the crush has emerged. Clothes can be seen strewn on the ground. WARNING: Contains upsetting images.
#منى pic.twitter.com/Q2jW3mSFYw#منى pic.twitter.com/Q2jW3mSFYw
Updated at 10.12am BSTUpdated at 10.12am BST
10.02am BST10:0210.02am BST10:02
Death toll rises to 220Death toll rises to 220
Saudi civil defence says the death toll has risen to 220, with at least 450 injured.Saudi civil defence says the death toll has risen to 220, with at least 450 injured.
These are pictures it posted earlier:These are pictures it posted earlier:
لا تزال عمليات الفرز مستمرة، وارتفع عدد الإصابات إلى 400 إصابة و 150 حالة وفاة. pic.twitter.com/HjZ2QuiYstلا تزال عمليات الفرز مستمرة، وارتفع عدد الإصابات إلى 400 إصابة و 150 حالة وفاة. pic.twitter.com/HjZ2QuiYst
9.49am BST09:49 9.58am BST09:58
Opening summaryOpening summary
A crush during the annual hajj pilgrimage has killed 150 people, Saudi civil defence authorities have said.A crush during the annual hajj pilgrimage has killed 150 people, Saudi civil defence authorities have said.
Another 400 were injured in the disaster, which occurred in Mina, outside the Muslim holy city of Mecca, on the first day of the Eid al-Adha festival, which marks the end of hajj.Another 400 were injured in the disaster, which occurred in Mina, outside the Muslim holy city of Mecca, on the first day of the Eid al-Adha festival, which marks the end of hajj.
About two million people are performing the pilgrimage, Saudi state-run TV has said.About two million people are performing the pilgrimage, Saudi state-run TV has said.
The tragedy is the second to hit the kingdom in a fortnight, after the collapse of a construction crane at Mecca’s Grand Mosque killed more than 100 people days before the hajj pilgrimage began.The tragedy is the second to hit the kingdom in a fortnight, after the collapse of a construction crane at Mecca’s Grand Mosque killed more than 100 people days before the hajj pilgrimage began.
Updated at 10.13am BSTUpdated at 10.13am BST