"God is greatest!" while others chanted "Harder! Harder!"

February 1, 2004

Stampede brings carnage to Hajj

The stoning of the pillars is the most dangerous part of the Hajj

At least 244 people have been trampled to death at the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, the minister in charge of the event, Iyad Madani, has said.

He said a similar number of pilgrims were injured during the stampede, which lasted 27 minutes.

The disaster happened as pilgrims flocked to the Jamarat Bridge in Mina, near Mecca, to hurl stones at pillars representing the devil.

Up to two million Muslims went to this year's event in and around Mecca.

Despite the large number of deaths, the last important rite of the pilgrimage was continuing Sunday.

Mr Madani said most of the victims were from inside Saudi Arabia and many had not been authorised to participate.

In an effort to control the numbers at the Hajj, Saudi Arabia sets quotas for pilgrims from each country and requires its citizens to register.

HAJJ DISASTERS

Stampedes near Jamarat Bridge killed at least 244 pilgrims in 2004, 14 in 2003, 35 in 2001, 119 in 1998, 270 in 1994

1997 - Fire kills 343 pilgrims and injures 1,500 at camp in Mina

1990 - Stampede in crowded tunnel leading to holy sites kills 1,426 pilgrims

1987 - About 400 killed - mainly Iranian Shia pilgrims - in clashes with Saudi forces

Can the Hajj be made safe?

"There was more than 400 metres of people pushing in the same direction (which) resulted in the collapse of those next to the stoning area... and those behind. That led to panic," he said.

Mr Madani, quoted by Reuters news agency, said some pilgrims were "not organised" and their personal belongings had caused obstructions.

The stoning ritual is usually the most dangerous part of the Hajj - last year 14 pilgrims were crushed to death during it, and 35 died in a 2001 stampede.

The Hajj is now at its climax, with the traditional stoning of pillars representing the devil, followed by the religious feast of Eid al-Adha, when animals are sacrificed.

As rescuers went to the scene, security officials attempted to control the crowds to prevent further crushing.

Physically exhausted after three days of rites, pilgrims surged forward to cast their stones.

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims crossed over and under the 15-metre (50-foot) bridge spanning a small valley between two cliffs at Mina.

Pilgrims converged on the main pillar from all directions, shouting "God is greatest!" while others chanted "Harder! Harder!" as the faithful threw their stones, Reuters reported.

Such was the size of the crowd that most pilgrims were unaware of what had happened, the BBC's Paul Simpson reports from Jeddah.

"I assure you that all the preparations are always made, but we don't always know God's intentions. What happened will be evaluated," Mr Madani said.

He said another 272 pilgrims had died of natural causes during the Hajj.

All able-bodied Muslims are required to perform the Hajj at least once in their lifetime, if they can afford it.