A look at major hajj-related accidents in Saudi Arabia

Every year, millions of Muslims converge on Saudi Arabia’s holy cities of Mecca and Medina for the hajj pilgrimage, representing a major security and logistical challenge for the kingdom. On occasion, the hajj and events surrounding it have been marred by tragedy. A look at some of the deadly incidents:

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2015: At least 717 people are killed and more than 800 injured in a crush of pilgrims Thursday in Mina, on the outskirts of Mecca. On Sept. 11, a crane collapses in a storm and crashes onto the Grand Mosque in Mecca, killing 111 people are killed and injuring nearly 400.

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2006: More than 360 pilgrims are killed in a stampede in Mina, near Mecca, where pilgrims carry out a symbolic stoning of the devil. A day before the hajj begins, the collapse of an eight-story building used as a hostel near the Grand Mosque kills 73.

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2004: A crush of pilgrims at Mina kills 244 people and injures hundreds on the hajj’s final day.

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2001: A stampede at Mina on the final day of the hajj kills 35 people.

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1998: About 180 people are trampled to death in panic after several of them fall from an overpass during the stoning ritual at Mina.

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1997: At least 340 pilgrims are killed in a wind-whipped fire at a tent city in Mina. More than 1,500 are injured.

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1994: About 270 people are killed in a stampede during the Mina ritual.

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1990: A stampede kills 1,426 people at an overcrowded pedestrian tunnel leading to the holy sites in Mecca in the worst hajj-related tragedy.

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