The head of Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization says at least 1,500 people have been killed in a crush during Hajj pilgrimage rituals outside Mecca.
Sa’eed Ohadi said on Thursday that at least 144 Iranian nationals were among those killed in the fatal stampede.
He added that the overall death toll is expected to exceed 2,000.
This as Saudi authorities say at least 717 people have been killed and nearly 863 others injured in the crush.
According to Saudi disaster officials, the incident occurred in Mina, near Mecca, at 9 am local time (0600 GMT) after two large masses of pilgrims coming down streets 204 and 223 fused together.
The incident took place as people were heading to participate in the symbolic stoning of Satan.
Over 220 ambulances and 4,000 rescue workers have reportedly been sent to the location.
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