On Thursday, just after hundreds of Muslim faithful observed the ritual of stoning the devil in Mecca, a stampede ensued shortly after, claiming the lives of over 700 people.
Saudi Arabian authorities have confirmed that the death toll from Thursday’s stampede has risen today to 769 from 717 on Thursday. Although Saudi Arabia’s crown prince has ordered an investigation into the incident, the bulk of the casualties are thought to be pilgrims with Iran claiming that 131 Iranians died in the incident.
Concerns have been raised over Saudi Arabia’s handling of the incident after Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh told Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef in a meeting in Mina on Friday
“As for the things that humans cannot control, you are not blamed for them. Fate and destiny are inevitable,”
Three Nigerians have been confirmed dead.