Mina: New Delhi: The Indian Hajj Mission on Friday released the list of Indians injured in the Mecca stampede, which killed at least 717 people and left over 700 seriously injured. It is the worst tragedy to hit the world’s holiest Muslim pilgrimage in 25 years.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday quoted India’s Consul General in Jeddah as saying that at least 14 Indian lives have been lost in the deadly stampede. However, the exact number of deaths will be confirmed by the Saudi authorities later.
Swaraj further said that 13 injured are undergoing treatment in a hospital in Saudi Arabia. The Indian government has issued helpline numbers for the kith and kin of those Indians who are currently in Saudi Arabia.
With some 136,000 pilgrims from India, the Indian government said it was closely monitoring the situation. Thursday’s stampede took place barely two weeks after a massive crane fell in Makkah’s grand mosque, killing over 100 people and injuring over 200. Eleven of the dead were Indians.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, now in the US, condoled the loss of lives. “Distressing news from Mecca. Pained at loss of lives due to the stampede. Condolences to families of the deceased and prayers with the injured.”
The MEA has also released the list of Indians who have sustained injuries in the stampede and are being treated in hospitals there. The government is closely monitoring the situation in Saudi Arabia and extending all possible help to Indians there.
“The Government is monitoring the situation in Mecca, we are trying to help the people in best possible way. We have also issued two toll-free numbers to assist people to know the whereabouts of their relatives in Mecca,” he said.
“The numbers have been displayed at the Ministry of External Affairs and consulate websites,” he added. Naqvi further extended greetings on the eve of the Eid-ul-Zuha. “I wish the festival brings and happiness and prosperity to all the countrymen,” he added.
The emergency numbers in Mecca are:
00966125458000
00966125496000
Toll free number for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia: 8002477786
Mecca stampede: List of Indians injured
Bureau Report
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