The Health Minister of Saudi Arabia, Fahd al-Jalajel, announced a significant number of fatalities during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, with 1,301 pilgrims confirmed dead. This information was disclosed during a televised broadcast.
A large majority of the deceased, 83%, participated in the pilgrimage without the required permits, forcing them to endure long distances under the scorching sun. The absence of authorization resulted in severe heat-related issues among many pilgrims, ultimately leading to the high death toll.
Al-Jalajel expressed profound sorrow over the fatalities, highlighting the harsh conditions faced by unauthorized pilgrims, such as prolonged exposure to intense sunlight without proper shelter. He stated, “We encountered a considerable number of individuals suffering from heat-related problems. Unfortunately, the death toll reached 1,301.”
The identities of the deceased were confirmed, and they were laid to rest respectfully in Mecca. The minister also emphasized the extensive healthcare services provided during the Hajj, including around 1.3 million preventive services and over 465,000 treatment services, with 141,000 specifically for unauthorized pilgrims.
This tragic incident underscores the crucial importance of adhering to regulations and the obstacles encountered by healthcare providers during the Hajj. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to stress the necessity of obtaining proper authorization to ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims.
