Tragic Toll: Haj Pilgrimage Claims 1,301 Lives

Saudi Arabia's health minister Fahad Al-Jalajel reported that the number of deaths during this year's Haj pilgrimage totaled 1,301. The fatalities were primarily due to pilgrims walking long distances under direct sunlight without sufficient shelter or comfort. Many deceased were elderly or had chronic diseases.

The number of deaths during this year's haj pilgrimage totaled 1,301 people, Saudi Arabia's health minister Fahad Al-Jalajel said on Sunday.

The minister, quoted by state television, said that deaths were caused by pilgrims "walking long distances under direct sunlight without adequate shelter or comfort".

Fatalities also included a number of elderly people and those suffering from chronic diseases. Some 83% of the fatalities were among people who were not authorized to make the pilgrimage, he said.