- Saudi Health Minister al-Jalajel reported 1,301 Hajj deaths, with 83% of the deceased lacking necessary pilgrimage permits
- Unauthorized pilgrims suffered heat stress from walking long distances without shelter, leading to high mortality during the 2024 Hajj
The Saudi Arabian Health Minister, Fahd al-Jalajel, revealed that 1,301 pilgrims died during the 2024 Hajj. Speaking on state television, al-Jalajel noted that 83 percent of the deceased lacked the necessary permits for the pilgrimage.
Al-Jalajel explained that these unauthorized pilgrims walked long distances under intense sunlight. He stated, “We dealt with many people affected by heat stress. Regrettably, the number of mortalities reached 1,301, with 83 percent being unauthorized to perform Hajj and having walked long distances under direct sunlight, without adequate shelter or comfort,” as reported by the official Saudi Press Agency.
He further mentioned that the deceased’s identities were verified, and they were respectfully buried and honoured in Mecca.
Al-Jalajel highlighted that the Kingdom provided about 1.3 million preventive services to pilgrims. Additionally, authorities delivered over 465,000 treatment services, including 141,000 for those without Hajj authorization.