The Reuters news agency reports that about 100 pilgrims died in a stampede in the environs of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, but medical sources in Riyadh say the death toll may rise to over 300 people. The tragedy occurred during the sadly notorious ritual of "stoning the Satan" in the Valley of Mina. During the ritual worshippers throw stones at three pillars symbolizing the Satan.
January 10, when the main bulk of pilgrims performed this ritual, no victims were reported. However, not all the Muslem pilgrims manage to get in the valley at once, so the ritual is usually extended for several days. As a rule, it ends in a stampede and loss of human life. In 2004 the crowd trampled 244 people to death, and over 200 were injured.
This time the stampede began at the entrance to the square where the pillars are erected. The ritual has to be finished by sunset, so in the rush to enter the square people began to jostle, and trip, and pile on each other, report the witnesses. Ambulances were rushed to the scene of the tragedy, and the wounded people are being treated.
Saudi authorities, trying to avoid loss of human lives during the ritual, had taken precautions to additionally set up the territory. First of all, the shape of the pillars had been modified, and rubber was used to pad the railings. However, the authorities have again failed to assure the pilgrims' security.
No Russian worshippers have been injured during the stampede.
January 10, when the main bulk of pilgrims performed this ritual, no victims were reported. However, not all the Muslem pilgrims manage to get in the valley at once, so the ritual is usually extended for several days. As a rule, it ends in a stampede and loss of human life. In 2004 the crowd trampled 244 people to death, and over 200 were injured.
This time the stampede began at the entrance to the square where the pillars are erected. The ritual has to be finished by sunset, so in the rush to enter the square people began to jostle, and trip, and pile on each other, report the witnesses. Ambulances were rushed to the scene of the tragedy, and the wounded people are being treated.
Saudi authorities, trying to avoid loss of human lives during the ritual, had taken precautions to additionally set up the territory. First of all, the shape of the pillars had been modified, and rubber was used to pad the railings. However, the authorities have again failed to assure the pilgrims' security.
No Russian worshippers have been injured during the stampede.
