The 244 victims, mainly from Indonesia, Pakistan and other Asian nations, were trampled to death at the climax of the hajj during a devil-stoning ritual that has in the past witnessed similar disasters.

The tragedy occurred after some people collapsed as a 2 million-strong crowd surged toward the Jamarat Bridge in Mena to throw stones at pillars representing the devil.

The crush occurred on the first day of the Eid al-Adha, a Muslim feast to commemorate Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail at God's command.

The Japan Times Weekly: Feb. 7, 2004
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