717 died, 2 Indians among 863 injured in Haj stampede in Saudi

At least 717 people were killed and around 863 others, including 2 Indians injured in a stampede during the Haj at Mina, near the holy city of Macca in Saudi Arabia, the worst incident in nearly a decade to hit the annual pilgrimage.

The incident occurred due to the sudden rush of the pilgrimages on  Street 204 in Mina, when they were performing a symbolic stoning of the devil by throwing pebbles against three stone walls.

Over two million people, including 1.5 lakh Indians are performing Haj this year.

Officials at the Indian Consulate in Jeddah have said two Indian pilgrims are from Assam that were injured in the tragedy.

Rescue operation was underway after the stampede in Mina. Eyewitnesses said the stampede happened at the entrance of the Jamrat bridge near street 204 not inside the area where the stone pillars are.

The incident comes days after a massive crane collapse in Macca Grand Mosque killed 115 people, including 11 Indians.

Two teams of medical screening have been set up at the site of the incident. "In my camp there are almost 400 pilgrims. All of them are safe. But I am trying to make some calls and assertion from other people," said Abid Rasool Khan, Chairman Minorities Panel Andhra Pradesh.