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Saudi Arabia starts DNA tests to identify bodies in Mecca stampede

Xinhua, October 3, 2015 Adjust font size:

Saudi Arabia said on Friday that a local hospital has started DNA tests on unidentified bodies in a stampede in Mecca, Saudi Press Agency reported.

On Sept. 23, a stampede took place in Mecca while pilgrims were performing one of Hajj rituals. Saudi officials said the accident left 769 killed and 934 injured.

Al Noor Hospital in Mecca started to collect DNA samples from the relatives to see their matches among unidentified bodies.

The deadly accident has been the worst stampede in Mecca during the last 25 years. The reason behind it is still under investigation.

According to local press, one main reason of the incident is the negligence of pilgrims to crowd control rules while performing the ritual of stoning the devil in Mina area.

It was the second major accident involving massive casualties in Saudi Arabia in this year's Hajj season.

Earlier in September, 111 pilgrims were killed and 331 others injured in a crane crash in the Grand Mosque of Mecca. Endit