Tragic Loss: 1,300 Lives Lost in Hajj Amidst Harsh Heat
More than 1,300 people perished during this year’s Hajj trip in Saudi Arabia due to exceptionally high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert nation, Saudi authorities revealed on Sunday.
According to Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel, 83% of the 1,301 deaths were caused by illegal pilgrims who trekked long distances in sweltering heat to complete Hajj ceremonies in and around Mecca.
The minister told state-owned Al Ekhbariya TV that 95 pilgrims were being treated at hospitals, with some being airlifted to the capital, Riyadh. He stated that the identification process was delayed because many of the deceased pilgrims lacked identification documents.
He stated the dead were buried in Mecca, without providing a breakdown.
More than 660 Egyptians died. According to two Cairo officials, all but 31 were unlicensed pilgrims. Egypt has canceled the licenses of 16 travel businesses that assisted unlawful pilgrims in traveling to Saudi Arabia, authorities said.
