At Least 345 Pilgrims Killed In Hajj Stampede

 ************************

Saudi Arabia’s health minister says that at least 345 people were killed and hundreds others were injured during a stampede at the annual hajj pilgrimage.

The crush occurred as tens of thousands of pilgrims were taking part in a stone-throwing ritual that symbolizes their rejection of the devil.

In 2004, some 250 pilgrims were trampled to death performing the same rite, which requires pilgrims to throw stones at pillars on the plain of Mina, near Mecca, a spot where the devil is said to have appeared to Abraham.

The ritual coincides with Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice.

Some 2.5 million Muslims made the hajj pilgrimage this year.

Every able-bodied adult Muslim is obliged to visit Mecca, the holiest site in Islam, at least once in their lives.