Special to WorldTribune.com

More than 700 people were killed in a stampede on the third day of the hajj pilgrimage near Mecca on Sept. 24.

Saudi authorities said at least 800 more were injured at Mina when two large groups of pilgrims converged at a crossroad leading to where pilgrims take part in the “stoning the devil” ritual at Jamarat.

“Work is underway to separate large groups of people and direct pilgrims to alternative routes,” the Saudi Civil Defence said on its Twitter account.

What officials said was the worst disaster at the pilgrimage in 25 years comes two weeks after 110 people died in Mecca’s Grand Mosque when a construction crane collapsed during a storm and fell into the main courtyard.

In July 1990, 1,426 pilgrims were crushed to death in a tunnel near Mecca. Both the 1990 tragedy and the stampede on Sept. 24 occurred on Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice), Islam’s most important feast and the day of the stoning ritual.

“Please pilgrims do not push one another. Please leave from the exit and don’t come back by the same route,” a Saudi officer repeated through a loudspeaker at Jamarat on Sept. 24.

Saudi Arabia said it has taken great effort to improve safety at Jamarat, including a three-decker bridge and additional entry and exit points for pilgrims to perform the ritual.

  hajj, Jamarat, More than 700 die in stampede at Mecca pilgrimage, stoning the devil ritual, WorldTribune.com