In a tragic turn of events, over 1,000 people lost their lives during this year’s hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The scorching temperatures took a toll on the nearly two million participants, with Egyptians being the most heavily affected, accounting for 672 deaths and 25 missing individuals.
Indonesia reported 236 fatalities, while India confirmed the loss of 98 citizens. Other countries such as Tunisia, Jordan, Iran, and Senegal also reported additional deaths, bringing the total tally to at least 1,114 casualties.
An Egyptian crisis unit suspended licenses of 16 tourism companies and referred them to the public prosecutor for their alleged role in the deaths, particularly among pilgrims not registered under the official system. The unit attributed 31 deaths to chronic illnesses among officially registered pilgrims.
Police officers stand guard as Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Photo by REUTERS/Mohammed Torokman