The annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, one of Islam’s holiest rituals, is a journey of faith for millions of Muslims worldwide. However, this sacred gathering has not been without tragedy. Over the decades, the pilgrimage has been marred by catastrophic disasters, from deadly stampedes to devastating fires and militant attacks.
As this year’s Hajj commences on Wednesday, here’s a look at some of the most tragic incidents in the pilgrimage’s history.
Stampedes: A Persistent Threat
The deadliest tragedy occurred in 2015 during the “stoning of the devil” ritual in Mina, near Mecca. A stampede resulted in the deaths of up to 2,300 worshippers, with many blaming the incident on poor crowd management and the closure of key roads near the ritual site.
Other significant stampedes include:
- 2006: A stampede claimed 364 lives, shortly after a hotel collapse killed 76 pilgrims.
- 2004: A stampede led to the deaths of 251 people.
- 1998: Over 100 worshippers lost their lives.
- 1994: A crowd surge killed 270 pilgrims, attributed to record numbers of attendees.
- 1990: The most devastating stampede before 2015 occurred when 1,426 pilgrims, mostly from Asia, were trampled or asphyxiated in a tunnel at Mina. A ventilation system failure and overcrowding were cited as causes.
Attacks: Violence in Sacred Spaces
Hajj has also been targeted by violent attacks:
- 1989: Twin bombings outside the Grand Mosque killed one person and injured 16. Sixteen Kuwaiti Shiites were later convicted and executed.
- 1979: Hundreds of militants stormed the Grand Mosque, calling for the Saudi royal family’s abdication. The siege resulted in 153 deaths and 560 injuries.
Protests Turn Deadly
In 1987, a protest by Iranian pilgrims during Hajj escalated into violence, with Saudi security forces intervening. Over 400 people died, including 275 Iranians, highlighting the tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Fires: Destruction and Loss
Fires have also cast a shadow over Hajj:
- 1997: A gas stove explosion in a Mina pilgrim camp killed 343 people and injured 1,500.
- 1975: A gas canister explosion in a camp near Mecca led to 200 fatalities.
Weather and Structural Disasters
Beyond human-caused tragedies, natural and structural disasters have also plagued the pilgrimage. In 2015, a crane collapse at the Grand Mosque during stormy weather killed over 100 and injured hundreds more.
Lessons Learned
Each tragedy has pushed Saudi authorities to improve infrastructure, safety measures, and crowd management protocols. Despite these efforts, the sheer number of pilgrims, combined with the challenges of managing such a vast gathering, means that risks persist.
As the Hajj begins, it remains both a profound spiritual journey and a logistical challenge.
