Tragedy struck Mina this morning when more than 310 pilgrims died in a stampede on the way to the Jamrah complex. Saudi Civil Defense forces said more than 450 were injured. The exact cause of the accident has not yet been established.
Many of the injured were said to have been in semi conscious state. The harsh summer weather has only added to the problem. The injured were not in a position to speak.
Reports have it that ambulances were blaring sirens as they were bringing in the injured. Hundreds of Saudi security forces and Haj volunteers are at hand helping the injured.
Most of the injured were taken to Mina Emergency Hospital while others were also rushed to the hospitals in Mecca.
The Jamrah area, where the pilgrims have to perform the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual, has seen stampedes in the past. But the Saudi authorities have expanded the area by constructing a multilayered complex to ease the flow of pilgrims.
The pilgrims had late evening yesterday, left Arafat where they spent the whole day praying for Muzdalifa rom where they marched, this morning to Jamrah to throw seven pea-sized stones at one of the three wall-like structures. [myad]
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