Authorities in Saudi Arabia have faced sharp criticism over their safety record after more than 700 pilgrims died in the worst accident during the annual Muslim festival of Eid in two decades.
Critics of the Saudi authorities noted it was less than a month since a crane accident in Mecca killed more than 100 people.
Authorities said 717 people died, with 863 injured, in a stampede at a crossroads in the Mecca neighbourhood of Mina as Hajj pilgrims walked towards a structure designed to ease congestion.
The incident is the worst since the 1990 tragedy when 1,426 people were killed in a stampede.
Iran’s minister for Hajj Saeed Ohadi claimed Saudi authorities' “mismanagement” and “safety errors” during the pilgrimage had led to the tragedy in which at least 47 Iranians are thought to have died.
READ MORE: Minister blames undisciplined pilgrims for stampede
Shocking footage emerges of the aftermath of disaster
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Iran and Saudi Arabia have a notoriously poor relationship: both are indirectly involved in two of the bloodiest civil conflicts within the Middle East, each backing opposing sides.
The criticism comes as Saudi health minister Khalid al-Falih claimed if “the pilgrims had followed instructions, this type of accident could have been avoided.”
He told local news station El-Ekhbariya many pilgrims “move without respecting the timetables” established by authorities to ease congestion and claimed this was the “principal reason for this type of accident.”
Can't #SaudiA & Muslim leadership worldwide fix an upper limit for number of people at #Hajj? #Meccah #Crane #Stampede
— Vijay Thakkar (@vikingthakkar) September 24, 2015
Two incidents during #Hajj is proof that Saudi Government is not more capable for Hajj arrangements #MinaStampede
— Abo Maryam (@SabirAbuMaryam) September 24, 2015
Please @kingsalman, muslims wants #hajj with very safe & no more stampede like #Mina
Enough on 2 million pilgrims of #hajj No 4/6mio
— Prada (@adimuliapradana) September 24, 2015
@CNN > I thnk the #Saudi govt. needs to do their job by cuttin down on pple coming in #Mecca #Hajj dis is senseless, unnecessary death.
— Abiodun Fred (@abiodunfred) September 24, 2015
@octavianasr Time for #Saudis to revise the #Hajj schedules to make it 2 or 3 times a year to reduce over-crowding.
— nehad ismail (@nehadismail) September 24, 2015
1st crane accident where 87 people die,now this! Saudis're failing miserably on safety measures! #Hajj #SaudiArabia https://t.co/67xoffKDq8
— Omar Makram (@Aomar_Makram) September 24, 2015
Saudi government culpable in not doing enough to avoid such disasters at the #Hajj - 1990, 1426 killed; 2006 - 346; and today 450+
— John Finn (@carrigman) September 24, 2015
Authorities estimated 1.98 million Muslims are in Mecca to celebrate the annual festival of Eid, marked on Thursday by making Hajj.
The rites include a journey to make Jamarat (meaning to throw stones at three pillars), in recollection of the Prophet Abaham’s rejection of the Devil and his temptations.
Often the scene of the previous accidents, in 2006 364 people died in a crush at the foot of the bridge to the pillars as they travelled to the “Stoning of the Devil” ceremony.
Although Saudi authorities have attempted to make the journey safer, mostly by streamlining the route and building stands around the sacred pillars, concerns have remained.
However, some have defended the local authorities, pointing out the sheer number of people can be difficult to control and predict.
I honestly do believe Saudi has done so much to make the #hajj process as seamless as possible. but more to be done, esp enforcing rules
— Ethar El-Katatney (@etharkamal) September 24, 2015
Over 700 dead in #minastampede. those sitting in walkways are a reason these tragedies happen. But where can they go? pic.twitter.com/gMcbBq05g7
— Ethar El-Katatney (@etharkamal) September 24, 2015
saudi changed the infrastructure so the streets are 1-way. a reason for #MinaStampede is people trying to go back the way they came #hajj
— Ethar El-Katatney (@etharkamal) September 24, 2015
In the aftermath of the incident, authorities swiftly deployed more 4,000 emergency personnel and 220 ambulances to transport the wounded to four hospitals in Mecca.
