At least 345 people died today in a stampede during a symbolic stoning ritual at the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, according to the country’s health ministry. Health Minister Hamad al-Maneh told Saudi TV that 289 others were injured. Video of the scene showed dozens of bodies lying on the ground, covered with sheets and blankets. The stampede, like others in the past, occurred during the stone-throwing ritual in which the pilgrims stone a symbolic devil. It took place at a wide bridge over the desert plain of Mina.
wow....they shud try to be more careful next time...tha saudi goverment i mean...for protection aginst bein trampled to death for tha ppl who do hajj:(
The Saudi interior ministry had promised a “special plan” to ensure a smooth flow of pilgrims towards the pillars.
Saudi troops patrolled the area, monitoring crowds, and helicopters flew overhead.
First aid crews and ambulances also gathered under the bridge to deal with those affected by the overcrowding or heat exhaustion.
“It was a piece of cake this year,” Mecca native Sulayman Fallata told the AFP news agency.
Saudi Arabia has spent millions of dollars since 2004 to improve safety measures at Mina.
New footbridges with emergency exits were built and three new pillars were erected that were wider and taller than ones used previously, so more pilgrims could pelt rocks at the same time.
A fatwa, or religious edict, was also issued to allow the stoning to begin before the dawn prayer.
I know its not polite to moan about the people during the religious rituals, but GOD are some of them so rude during their performance. Why on earth the few keep on forgetting that this is the most devine place, and the only place where we need to be more generous and careful not causing any discomfort. But during a tawaf, I found that alot of people don't even care about others. They can only see themselves trying to run for one thing compared to the other. Arghhh! And some F-hat aunties, I came across were just so plain rude, speaking blatantly in Punjabi saying clearly to ther other aunty, "Dhaka day ka rasta buna" nearly pushing me over, with a 4 month baby in my hand. Thank God for my husband grabbing hold of my arm and not letting me to the ground.
Its pretty sad to see all those deaths occuring. But in other way they are even the luckiest cuz they gave their lives while worshipping Allah with all thier sins washed off .... thats one way ticket straight to heaven. Subhan Allah!
Allah huma razukni Shahadathun Fee sabi-layka waj-ul mowthi bay-baladay Rasoolika. Ameen sum Ameen!
Very sad indeed...Something happens almost every year, and we still don't learn a lesson...I guess its just the huge number of ppl there, absolutely not easy to control such a flow of ppl...Allah un ko Jannat naseeb kerai, Ameen