Over 345 pilgrims killed in hajj stampede: official

More than 345 Muslim pilgrims were trampled to death and some 300 wounded outside the Saudi holy city of Mecca on Thursday, Saudi officials said.

Health Minister Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Maneh told reporters that more than 345 people were killed and 289 injured in a stampede caused by "unruly pilgrims and a problem of luggage."

"Today, just after sunset, there was a big rush among the pilgrims which led a group of them to be killed or wounded," he said.

The pilgrims were killed when they performing a stoning ritual at the annual Hajj.

Thousands of pilgrims rushing to complete a symbolic stoning ritual on the last day of the Hajj tripped over luggage, causing a stampede.

This was the second fatal incident in this year's Hajj.

Earlier this month, a building housing pilgrims collapsed in Mecca, leaving over 76 people dead and scores of others injured.

Source: Xinhua