Iranian President Orders Formation of Taskforce on Mina Stampede
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani issued an order for a special cabinet session and the establishment of a task force over the deadly stampede in Saudi Arabia, which killed hundreds of Hajj pilgrims, including at least 131 Iranian nationals.
In a telephone conversation with senior Iranian officials, including First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri, upon his arrival in the US city of New York, President Rouhani called for a special cabinet meeting on Friday and formation of a task force as soon as possible.
He further urged ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health and Medical Education, and Culture and Islamic Guidance, as well as Head of Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization to take the necessary measures to quickly transfer the bodies of the Iranian pilgrims killed in the incident and treat the injured people.
Saudi disaster officials has said the incident occurred in Mina, near Mecca, at 9 am local time (0600 GMT) on Thursday after two large masses of pilgrims fused together.
According to media reports, at least 1300 pilgrims were killed Thursday in the stampede outside the Muslim holy city of Mecca, the worst disaster to strike the annual Hajj pilgrimage in 25 years.
The Hajj, the world’s largest annual gathering of people, has been the scene of numerous deadly stampedes, fires and riots in the past.
Safety during Hajj is a politically sensitive issue for the kingdom’s ruling Al Saud dynasty, which presents itself internationally as the custodian of its holiest places in Mecca and Medina.