More Than 1,300 Pilgrims Died During Hajj, Saudi Authorities Say

The Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia resulted in a significant number of fatalities, with reports varying between 1,100 and 1,301 deaths. The majority of the deceased, ranging from 83% to more than 95%, did not have official permits to perform the pilgrimage. Many of these unauthorized pilgrims walked long distances under direct sunlight without adequate shelter, leaving them vulnerable to the extreme heat. Temperatures in Mecca reached as high as 51.8°C (122°F) during the pilgrimage.