Over 1,300 People Die in Hajj Pilgrimage Due to Extreme Heat
More than 1,300 individuals lost their lives in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, with temperatures exceeding 50°C. The majority of the deceased were unauthorized visitors, highlighting the challenges faced during this significant but strenuous Islamic pilgrimage.
More than 1,300 people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia due to extreme heat, authorities announced. Temperatures soared above 50°C (122°F) as pilgrims, including many unauthorized visitors, performed rituals in and around Mecca.
Among those who died were 660 Egyptians, 165 Indonesians, 98 Indians, and dozens more from various countries, including two U.S. citizens. Approximately 1.8 million pilgrims attended this year’s event. Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel noted that 83% of the deceased were unauthorized pilgrims, lacking identification documents. Many of the dead were buried in Mecca, and 95 individuals were hospitalized, some airlifted to Riyadh for treatment.
Egyptian authorities revoked the licenses of 16 travel agencies for facilitating unauthorized travel, leaving many pilgrims stranded in the heat. The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a significant but physically demanding pilgrimage, often attracting millions of Muslims worldwide.
Among the deceased were Alhaji Alieu Dausy, 71, and Haja Isatu Wurie, 65, a Maryland couple on a “lifelong dream” trip. They reportedly died from potential heat stroke during the pilgrimage. Their daughter, Saida Wurie, mentioned they had encountered transportation issues and opted to walk long distances, likely contributing to their deaths.