Just In Stamped Update: Worst Ever Hajj Tragedies In Mecca As Death Toll Rises To 717 Killed

Death toll in Thursday's stampede during the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual, at the hajj in Saudi Arabia has risen to 717 in one of the worst-ever tragedies at the annual Muslim pilgrimage. 

Over 800 were injured during the accident, the Saudi civil defense service said. The stampede, was the second deadly incident to hit the pilgrims this month following a crane collapse in Mecca.

Bodies of pilgrims wearing traditional white clothing were left scattered by the crush, surrounded by discarded shoes, flattened water bottles and umbrellas that had been used for protection from the sun. 

Saudi Health Minister Khaled al-Falih, blamed the pilgrims themselves, saying they had not followed the rules laid out by authorities. He said, “Many pilgrims move without respecting the timetables” set for the hajj.