More than 700 killed near Mecca during stampede at Saudi hajj pilgrimage

At least 220 killed in annual hajj pilgrimage

(Image credit: Twitter/@AJEnglish)

last updated 24 September 2015

Saudi Arabia's civil defense directorate said Thursday that at least 220 people were killed and 450 injured during a stampede at Mina, outside Mecca, during the annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca's Grand Mosque. Stampedes used to be fairly common during the hajj, but Saudi authorities put new safety measures in place after 364 pilgrims were crushed in 2006.

Mina is a large valley about three miles outside Mecca, where pilgrims spend the night and take part in the ceremonial stoning of the devil, throwing pebbles at three walls. About two million pilgrims are participating in this year's hajj, which began on Tuesday.

UPDATE — 7:45 AM EST: The death toll from the stampede has been raised to 453 and the number of injured to 719.

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UPDATE — 8:45 AM EST: The death toll has risen to 717 and the number of injured to 805.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.