During the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, health authorities reported fatalities and a wide range of medical interventions. Officials cited that a total of 1,301 pilgrims died from natural causes, with the majority of the deceased not registered in official records. Health authorities described the deaths as resulting from natural causes and noted that some cases faced delays in verification due to missing travel documents. In addition, about 95 pilgrims received hospital treatment, highlighting the scale of medical activity during the rites. Across the Hajj period, Saudi doctors and emergency teams delivered medical care more than 30,000 times to pilgrims in need.
The dead were laid to rest in Mecca after the identification process was completed. The ministry indicated that the identities of the deceased were established, though in a number of instances, the process required more time because some individuals did not carry documentation. This reflects the challenges that can arise in coordinating records for a large, international gathering of pilgrims.
In parallel developments, statements from the Russian Hajj Mission referred to several fatalities among Russian pilgrims. Reports suggested that deaths included individuals from Dagestan and the Moscow region. Some of those who died were registered as pilgrims, while others held ordinary tourist visas that did not authorize performing the pilgrimage. These details underscore the importance of proper visa status and traveler documentation when planning participation in Hajj, as well as the need for clear guidance for international travelers.
In earlier updates, officials noted that the toll of deaths during the Mecca Hajj exceeded a thousand, highlighting the ongoing concern about safety and health conditions during the pilgrimage. The information reflects ongoing efforts by health authorities to monitor incidents, coordinate medical responses, and ensure the well-being of participants from around the world, including changes in protocol as events unfold across the season.