Hajj 2024: Saudi Arabia announces 1,301 pilgrim deaths

Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday that 1,301 fatalities occurred during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. The deaths were mainly due to heat stress and unauthorized trips, which accounted for more than 80% of the total.

In the first official figures released, the Saudi government stated, “The health system addressed numerous cases of heat stress this year, with some individuals still under care. Regrettably, the number of deaths reached 1,301.”

Unauthorized travel routes, lacking necessary infrastructure such as shelter and medical support, also contributed to the high death toll. Pilgrims taking these routes were exposed to greater risks.

“Unauthorized trips bypass official safety measures and expose pilgrims to dangerous conditions,” explained a spokesperson for the Hajj Ministry.

The country experienced high temperatures during the Hajj, frequently exceeding 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit). Despite the establishment of additional medical facilities and cooling stations, many pilgrims were affected by the extreme heat.