This image released by the Saudi Press Agency, SPA, shows ambulances in Mecca, after people were crushed by overcrowding in Mina, Saudi Arabia during the annual hajj pilgrimage on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015. Hundreds were killed and injured, Saudi authorities said. The crush happened in Mina, a large valley about five kilometers (three miles) from the holy city of Mecca that has been the site of hajj stampedes in years past. (Saudi Press Agency via AP)
A Filipino pilgrim was confirmed dead in the stampede at the annual Muslim hajj in Mina, Saudi Arabia, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday.
“The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah has confirmed that one local Filipino pilgrim died in the stampede in Mecca,” Foreign Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said in a statement sent to reporters via text message.
The DFA, however, refused to disclose the identity of the victim as per the family’s request.
“The personal circumstances of the victim are being withheld on the request of the family,” Jose said.
Saudi authorities said more than 700 people were killed in the stampede.
READ: Saudi Arabia: Stampede at hajj kills 717 pilgrims | Stampede kills more than 700 in one of worst-ever hajj tragedies | Glance at major hajj-related incidents in Saudi Arabia
The accident happened as millions of Muslim pilgrims trooped to Saudi Arabia this September for the yearly hajj pilgrimage.
The stampede came weeks after a massive construction crane crashed into Mecca’s Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia, leaving more than 100 killed.