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At least 717 pilgrims were killed on Thursday in a stampede at Mina, outside the Muslim holy city of Mecca, where some 2 million people are performing the annual haj pilgrimage, according to Saudi Arabian officials.
The incident, in which more than 800 others were injured, took place on Street 204 of the camp city at Mina, a few miles east of Mecca, where pilgrims stay for several days during the climax of the haj.
Thursday is also Eid al-Adha, when Muslims slaughter a sheep. It has traditionally been the most dangerous day of haj because vast numbers of pilgrims attempt to perform rituals at the same time in a single location.
The tragedy comes two weeks after a crane collapsed in Mecca, killing 107 and injuring 230.
The incident, in which more than 800 others were injured, took place on Street 204 of the camp city at Mina, a few miles east of Mecca, where pilgrims stay for several days during the climax of the haj.
Thursday is also Eid al-Adha, when Muslims slaughter a sheep. It has traditionally been the most dangerous day of haj because vast numbers of pilgrims attempt to perform rituals at the same time in a single location.
The tragedy comes two weeks after a crane collapsed in Mecca, killing 107 and injuring 230.
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