Sixty-Eight Indian Pilgrims Among Over 900 Dead During Scorching Haj Pilgrimage
Sixty-eight Indian nationals were among more than 900 pilgrims from around the world who died during this year’s Haj pilgrimage, marked by searing heat and extreme temperatures, according to sources on Wednesday.
The deaths of the Indians occurred over several weeks, with six fatalities reported on the final day of the pilgrimage. Causes included natural factors such as old age, along with the intense weather conditions, the sources said anonymously. There has been no official statement from the Indian government.
A total of 175,000 Indian pilgrims traveled to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Haj. Reports indicate that 550 deaths were recorded during the pilgrimage, as stated by two unnamed Arab diplomats, and an AFP tally put the total at 645. This includes 323 Egyptians and 60 Jordania...