Saudi Arabian officials shut illegal pilgrims out of air-conditioned rest areas in Mecca during extreme heat that killed more than 1,000 people on hajj.
More than half of the deaths were among unregistered worshippers who had not bought costly permits for the annual pilgrimage, which all Muslims with the means are encouraged to complete at least once.
The death toll from this year’s hajj exceeded 1,000, diplomats said, as temperatures hit 125.2F (51.8C) in Mecca this week.
“People were tired after being chased by security forces before Arafat day. They were exhausted,” one Arab diplomat said on Thursday, referring to Saturday’s day-long outdoor prayers that marked the hajj’s climax.