Saudi minister blames ‘undisciplined’ pilgrims for hajj tragedy

Mina – Saudi Arabia’s health minister blamed undisciplined pilgrims for the deadly stampede on Thursday during the hajj, saying the tragedy would not have occurred if they “had followed instructions”.

At least 717 pilgrims died and more than 800 were wounded in the worst hajj tragedy in 25 years.  

Health Minister Khaled al-Falih was quoted by El-Ekhbariya television as saying “many pilgrims move without respecting the timetables” established by authorities, which was the “principal reason for this type of accident.”

“If the pilgrims had followed instructions, this type of accident could have been avoided.”