Iranian Death Toll from Mina Crush at 464: 4 Diplomats Dead

Local Editor

Iran's Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization says the number of Iranian pilgrims killed in the recent crush in Mina near Saudi Arabia's Mecca has risen to 464.

The organization announced the latest death toll - almost double the previously released figure - in a statement on Thursday, adding that 14 Iranian pilgrims were still receiving treatment in Saudi hospitals.

The statement also said that, seven days after the deadly crush in Mina, the state of those injured in the incident has been "completely determined."

The statement did not include an updated figure for the number of the Iranians injured in the September 24 incident. Previous reports put the number of the wounded Iranians at 27.

Earlier reports also said that over 200 Iranians had gone missing in the crush.

The crush reportedly occurred as a group of pilgrims were on their way to take part in the symbolic stoning of the Satan, a Hajj ritual. Another group returning from the ritual were reportedly directed to move toward the first group from the opposite direction.

Saudi Arabia has come under harsh criticism over its role and handling of the incident. Riyadh has so far failed to accept responsibility for the incident or release the exact number of the deaths.

Meanwhile, Tehran announced that four of its diplomats, including its former Lebanese ambassador, were killed in the hajj stampede.

The news agency ended days of speculation over the fate of former envoy Ghazanfar Roknabadi, 49, who was attending the annual Muslim gathering.

Until last year, Roknabadi was Tehran's envoy to Beirut, a highly sensitive post.

He served in the post from 2010 to 2014.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team