Saudi hajj stampede probe continuing

A Saudi investigation into the worst disaster in the history of the hajj pilgrimage is yet to end, official media reported Monday, more than three weeks after a stampede killed 1,791 people.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef "was reassured of the progress of the ongoing investigation", the Saudi Press Agency said, in a rare update after he met on Sunday night with the investigative committee.

"He directed the members of the committee to continue the efforts exerted to come to the reasons behind the accident," SPA said.

Mohammed is interior minister and chairs the Saudi hajj committee.

He ordered the probe immediately after the September 24 disaster during a stoning ritual at Mina, just outside the holy city of Mecca.

Saudi Arabia issued a death toll of 769 two days after the incident but has given no further tally or details of the casualties.

Data from foreign officials in more than 30 countries produced the toll of 1,791.

Pilgrims blamed the stampede on police road closures and poor management of the flow of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims in searing temperatures.

Saudi officials, speaking immediately after the disaster, blamed pilgrims themselves for not following rules.

The results of the probe will be presented to King Salman, who carries the title "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques" in Mecca and Medina.

Salman has already ordered "a revision" of how the hajj is organised.

Saudi Arabia's handling of the hajj and its response to the disaster provoked foreign criticism, particularly from regional rival Iran, which reported the largest number of dead at 464.

The hajj and lesser umrah pilgrimages bring millions of Muslims to Saudi Arabia every year.

Salman said last week that the kingdom used "all its capabilities and efforts" to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims.

Days before the start of this year's hajj at least 109 people, including foreign pilgrims, died in a separate accident when a construction crane collapsed on Mecca's Grand Mosque.
Source: AFP