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244 die in pilgrimage stampede
IN the worst tragedy in seven years at the annual Muslim pilgrimage, 244 worshippers were trampled to death today and hundreds more were hurt beneath a crush of people making their way to a ritualistic stoning of the devil.
Hajj pilgrims at the annual Muslim pilgrimage / AP
Panic ensued when a few pilgrims fell on a bridge, and others tried to escape the push of the oncoming crowd, authorities said.
Safety measures were in place at the site - one where fatal stampedes have been frequent - but "caution isn't stronger than fate", Saudi Hajj Minister Iyad Madani said.
Today's tragedy marked the worst disaster at the annual pilgrimage, or hajj, since 1997, when 340 pilgrims died in a fire at the overcrowded Mina tent camp. Seven of those injured today were in critical condition, Madani said.