The annual Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj this year saw over 2 million Muslims from around the world converging in the holy city of Mecca — and with that amount of people in one site, accidents are bound to occur.
Yesterday, more than 700 people died while 900 others were injured when a stampede transpired during the ramī aj-jamarāt ritual, where pilgrims fling pebbles at three pillars in the city of Mina, as a symbolic stoning of the devil. Various media reports say that the stampede began when the number of pilgrims heading towards the largest of the pillars suddenly surged, causing many to stumble and fall.
The aftermath of it all was horrendous as lifeless bodies heaped upon each other were seen on the streets, including women and children. This accident would count as one of the most deadliest in Hajj history — more destructive than 2006’s stampede which killed at least 363, but not as fatal as the one in 1990, when 1,426 died.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) however has assured the public that all Singapore pilgrims are safe and accounted for, with no reports of Singaporean casualties.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic accident at Mina, outside the holy city of Makkah during the annual haj pilgrimage,” MFA wrote in a news release. “We would like to convey our deepest condolences to the families of the victims.”
In the meantime, MFA will continue to keep in close contact with Singaporeans currently in Mecca as well as the MUIS, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore.
Photo: Reuters
