14 Jordanian pilgrims killed, 17 missing during Hajj rituals

By Laith Al-Jnaidi

AMMAN, Jordan (AA) - Jordan announced on Sunday that the death toll of its citizens during this season's Hajj rituals had risen to 14, with 17 others reported missing.

In a statement, the Jordanian Foreign Ministry reported that "the number of Jordanian citizens who have died while performing Hajj rituals has increased to 14, with 17 pilgrims still missing."

It added that they are coordinating with the relevant Saudi authorities to expedite the burial procedures for the deceased pilgrims and arrange the transportation for bodies of those whose families wish them to be returned to Jordan.

They are also actively involved in the search for the 17 missing pilgrims.

The ministry clarified that the deceased and missing pilgrims "are from outside the official Jordanian Hajj delegation."

On Saturday, the Jordanian Foreign Ministry announced that six pilgrims had died from sunstroke. However, the causes of the additional deaths reported on Sunday have not yet been determined.

The Hajj season began on Friday, the Day of Tarwiyah. On Saturday, pilgrims stood at Arafat, the greatest pillar of Hajj, and spent the night in Muzdalifah. The rituals continue for six days.

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi​​​​​​​