The annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia is a major religious event, attracting millions of Muslims from around the world to Mecca.
However, due to mismanagement and the sheer volume of pilgrims, the pilgrimage is often marred by crowd-related disasters, particularly stampedes. These tragedies typically occur during key rituals, such as the Tawaf (circling the Kaaba) or the stoning of the Jamarat (symbolic stoning of the devil).
Let us take a look at 12 instances of stampedes and accidents that took place during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia from 1990 to 2024, resulting in over 10,000 casualties, including deaths and injuries.
#1 400 People Dead In A Clash During Hajj Pilgrimage In Mecca
On 31 July 1987, a violent clash during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca resulted in the deaths of 400 pilgrims and left around 2,000 injured. That year, the total number of pilgrims reached 1,619,324 (1.6 million). The incident occurred when Iranian Shia pilgrims staged a demonstration, leading to a confrontation with Saudi Arabian security forces, which escalated into a deadly clash. In the aftermath, both the Iranian and Saudi governments blamed each other for the tragic loss of lives.
#2 1426 Pilgrims Killed In Stampede During “Jamarat”
On 2 July 1990, a tragic stampede in an overcrowded pedestrian tunnel during the Jamarat ritual (stoning of the devil) led to the deaths of 1,426 pilgrims. That year, the total number of pilgrims reached 1,483,294 (1.48 million). The incident occurred as pilgrims rushed to throw stones at the three pillars, causing deadly overcrowding in the tunnel. In response, the official Saudi Press Agency quoted King Fahd, stating that the pilgrims had failed to follow safety rules issued ahead of the pilgrimage season but assured that efforts would be made to improve safety.
#3 Stampede“Caused By Conditions” Beyond Human Endurance” Killed 270
On 23 May 1994, a stampede during the stoning ritual at Mina resulted in the deaths of 270 pilgrims. That year, the total number of pilgrims reached 1,834,780 (1.83 million). Overcrowding and poor crowd control measures led to chaos, with many pilgrims being trampled. In response, Saudi officials stated that the tragedy, which occurred around 2 PM local time, was caused by conditions “beyond human endurance.”
#4 343 Pilgrims Dead And Over 1500 Injured In Tragedic Tent Fire In Mecca
On 15 April 1997, a fire near Mecca claimed the lives of 343 pilgrims and left over 1,500 injured. That year, the total number of pilgrims reached 1,942,851 (1.94 million). Diplomats and witnesses reported that the fire was triggered by gas cylinder explosions, though Saudi officials did not confirm a specific cause. In response, a Saudi Arabian diplomat described the incident as an accident with no political ramifications.
#5 188 Pilgrims Trampled To Death In Stampede
On 9 April 1998, a stampede during the Hajj pilgrimage resulted in the death of 188 pilgrims out of 1,832,114 total pilgrims (1.83 million). The incident occurred when crowds surged across an elevated walkway during the stoning of the devil ritual. According to Saudi security forces, the crush led to some victims falling, while others were trampled to death.
#6 35 Pilgrims Died Due To Stampede
On 5 March 2001, a stampede during the Hajj pilgrimage resulted in the death of 35 pilgrims out of 1,913,263 total pilgrims (1.91 million). The tragedy occurred when a massive crowd rushed toward one of the three giant pillars representing the devil in the Mina valley, near the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. In response, Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz stated that both Saudi authorities and foreign groups responsible for organizing the pilgrims shared the responsibility for the incident.
#7 Overcrowding And Poor Crowd Controlled Death Of 14 Pilgrims In 2003
On 11 February 2003, a stampede during the Hajj pilgrimage resulted in the deaths of 14 pilgrims out of 2,012,074 total pilgrims (2 million). The tragedy occurred due to overcrowding and poor crowd control during the stoning ritual at the Jamarat Bridge.
#8 “Not Organized Pilgrims” Caused Stamped In 2004
On 1 February 2004, a stampede during the Hajj pilgrimage resulted in the deaths of 251 pilgrims and left 244 others injured out of a total of 2,164,469 pilgrims (21.64 lakh). The tragedy occurred due to overcrowding and poor crowd management during the Jamarat ritual, known as the Stoning of the Devil. Saudi security official Mr. Madani, quoted by Reuters, stated that some pilgrims were “not organized“, and their personal belongings caused obstructions.
#9 Poor Crowd Management Caused Stampede And Death Of 3
On 22 January 2005, a stampede during the Hajj pilgrimage led to the deaths of 3 pilgrims out of a total of 2,258,050 pilgrims (22 lakh). The tragedy occurred due to poor crowd management during the stoning ceremony in Mina, which caused the deadly stampede.
#10 Stampede In Mina Killed 345 Pilgrims And Injured 1000
On 12 January 2006, a stampede during the Hajj pilgrimage resulted in the deaths of 345 pilgrims and left 1,000 injured out of a total of 2,378,636 pilgrims (23 lakh 78 thousand). The stampede was triggered when pieces of luggage fell from moving buses, causing pilgrims to trip over them as they rushed towards the stone walls for the stoning ritual. In response, Interior Ministry spokesman Maj Gen Mansour al-Turki told the BBC’s Newshour program that the dangers would only increase if further crowd controls were implemented.
#11 2,411 Pilgrims Killed Due To Stampede And Mismanagement
On 24 September 2015, a stampede during the Hajj pilgrimage resulted in 2,411 pilgrims losing their lives out of a total of 1,952,817 pilgrims (19 lakh 52 thousand). The tragedy occurred when two large groups of pilgrims collided in a narrow street, creating a fatal bottleneck. The overcrowding and confusion led to this horrific loss of life. In response, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir firmly rejected Iran’s criticism of Saudi Arabia’s handling of the incident. He stated, “The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques has directed to launch a thorough investigation that will be transparent,“ adding, “We will reveal the facts when they emerge, and we will not hold anything back.”
#12 Extreme Heat Caused Death Of 1,301 Hajj Pilgrims
Between 14 and 19 June 2024, a disaster during the Hajj pilgrimage resulted in the deaths of 1,301 pilgrims out of a total of 1,833,164 pilgrims (18 lakh 83 thousand). The incident occurred when unauthorized pilgrims walked long distances under the intense sun, with temperatures exceeding 50°C (122°F), leading to heat stroke and dehydration, which caused the fatalities. In response, Minister Al-Jalajel stated that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provided approximately 1.3 million preventive services to pilgrims. He further added that authorities delivered over 465,000 treatment services, including 141,000 services for those without Hajj authorization.
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