Deputy Minister of Health: Death Toll Reaches 4173 in Mina Catastrophe

The only official source of additional information about the dead is the official web site of Saudi Arabia Health Ministry.

Saudi Ministry of Health. Photo courtesy: cidrap.umn.edu

(RIYADH / SALEM, Ore.) - Saudi Arabia's deputy minister of Health declared that 4173 Hajj pilgrims died in the Mina catastrophe and says that the process of identifying victims has been already started.

It is worth noting that the Mina catastrophe was the direct result of extreme heat, suffocation and pushing Hajj pilgrims.

According to a report from the Health Ministry operation room, primary statistics show 769 victims initially identified by field agents has climbed to include at least 4173 victims. The most recent statics are based on information received by the Health Ministry.

Despite all the rumors surrounding the number of victims who died in the Mina catastrophe through media and online social networks, Health Ministry officials stated that the only official source of additional information about the number of people who died and their names is the official web site of Saudi Arabia Health Ministry.

The ministry web site will update and publish the complementary news and information in coming days. #NO2ALSAUD http://press.moh.gov.sa/showdetails.asp?artid=149170&artype=1