Spokesman updates information on Jamarat bridge stampede

Jeddah, 13 Jan 06

The Jamarat bridge stampede which occurred yesterday in Mina led until now to the death of about 363 people, the Official Security Spokesman of the Ministry of Interior major general Mansoor Alturki told a press conference here today.

Those who were injured in the stampede and are still in hospitals total about 45 people, he said.

The spokesman explained that out of the 363 dead people, 203 people have been identified. they included 118 males and 85 females.

He noted that the process of identification is still going on.

The spokesman highlighted efforts exerted by authorities to provide help to the pilgrims who fell in the stampede.

The spokesman said that among those who were identified, there were people from a large number of nationalities adding that more detailed information can be learnt by contacting the emergency center.

The spokesman attributed the stampede to overcrowding at the area of Jamarat.

He stated that in next years' Hajj seasons, the movement of pilgrims at Jamarat area will be improved through the construction of a new multi-storeyed bridge that will smooth the movement of pilgrims in the area.