Mina Hajj Stampede 2015

In 2015, the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, near Mecca, turned catastrophic when massive crowds converged at an intersection of pilgrimage routes. The resulting crush suffocated or trampled an estimated 2,000 to 2,400 pilgrims, making it one of the deadliest stampedes in modern history.

Confusion over crowd control and intense heat worsened the chaos. The tragedy drew global criticism of Saudi Arabia's handling of Hajj safety and reignited calls for better planning and infrastructure to protect pilgrims making the sacred journey.

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