Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed the death toll from the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage at 1,301, with the majority of deaths due to heat-related causes during the annual religious event. Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel acknowledged that 83% of the deceased were unauthorized pilgrims, many of whom were elderly or had chronic illnesses. The intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 51.8°C (125°F), significantly contributed to the fatalities, particularly among those who lacked official permission to perform the pilgrimage and therefore did not have access to air-conditioned facilities and camping supplies.Egypt has reported the highest number of fatalities, with at least 672 Egyptian pilgrims among the dead. The Egyptian crisis unit has responded by revoking the licenses of 16 travel agencies accused of facilitating unauthorized travel to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government has faced scrutiny over its handling of the Hajj, with critics pointing to the lack of adequate safety measures for unregistered pilgrims. However, the Saudi authorities have defended their response, suggesting that there was an ‘error in appreciation’ on the part of those who underestimated the risks of the pilgrimage.The Hajj is a significant event for Muslims worldwide, attracting over 1.83 million participants this year, including over 1.6 million from abroad. Despite the tragic loss of life, the Saudi Health Minister has described the management of the pilgrimage as ‘successful’, highlighting the provision of over 465,000 specialized medical treatments, including 141,000 to unauthorized pilgrims.
Key points
- Saudi Arabia officially confirms 1,301 deaths during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, with 83% being unauthorized pilgrims.
- Egypt reports the highest number of fatalities, with at least 672 deaths among its citizens.
- The Saudi Health Minister claims the management of the Hajj was successful despite the fatalities, citing extensive medical services provided.
