12/01/2006

Hundreds of pilgrims killed at Hajj pilgrimage

At least 345 people have been killed and hundreds more injured during a stampede at the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

The crush happened as pilgrims filed past the three large pillars of al Jamarat, where stones are traditionally thrown at the spot where Abraham is said to have been tempted by the devil.

The stampede is believed to have been caused by luggage falling from buses, causing pilgrims to trip and be trampled by the crowd behind them.

Many of the victims are believed to be from South East Asia.

The Hajj pilgrimage has been marred by tragedy in the past. In 1990, 1,426 people were killed and 244 people were killed in February 2004, during stampedes.

New barriers had been built recently, in a bid to improve safety at the site.

(KMcA/GB)


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