Statement from
HRH Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf Al Saud, Ambassador
The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia London
The stampede at Mina
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of the tragic accident that occurred at Mina today during Hajj.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has visited the site of the accident and a full investigation into the cause of the tragedy is already underway.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has directed all the resources at its disposal to care for the victims, and complete the investigation.
It is still unclear if any British nationals are among the deceased or injured. The Saudi Arabian competent authorities will provide further information as the investigations develop.
At a press conference before sunset prayers, Saudi Interior Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mansour al-Turki told reporters that the initial investigations of the incident indicated that two pathways, one of which is St. 204, converged at the same time. The majority of Thursday's victims descended onto a pathway toward Jamarat during a time that was not allocated to them.
Latest official figures show that 717 people died in the stampede and 805 were injured.
The civil defence team that responded to the stampede earlier in the day reported that 4,000 members of their emergency response team were deployed to the scene to divert pilgrims away from the stampede and provide logistical support.
May the Almighty grant all those who have lost their lives His blessings and eternal peace and comfort all those who have been affected.
ENDS
