At Least 1,301 People Die During Mecca Hajj Pilgrimage in Intense Heat [Video]

According to Saudi Arabia, at least 1,301 people lost their lives due to intense heat during the Hajj pilgrimage.

Most of those making the pilgrimage did not have permits and were left exposed to the scorching elements.

“Regrettably, the number of mortalities reached 1,301, with 83% being unauthorised to perform hajj and having walked long distances under direct sunlight, without adequate shelter or comfort,” the Saudi Press Agency said, as reported by AFP.

Arab diplomats said 658 of those who perished were Egyptian, 630 of whom were not registered as pilgrims.

“The rise in temperatures during the hajj season represented a big challenge this year,” said Fahd al-Jalajel, Saudi Arabia’s health minister, as The New York Times reported. “Unfortunately — and this is painful for all of us — those who didn’t have hajj permits walked long distances under the sun.”

The Hajj is a spiritual journey Muslims are encouraged to take once in their lives if they …