The Hajj pilgrimage, a significant Islamic ritual, attracts millions of Muslims from around the world each year to Saudi Arabia. On this day, as part of the pilgrimage, devotees gathered in Mina to perform the Rami al-Jamarat, which involves throwing stones at three pillars that represent the devil. The engagement in this significant act of worship often leads to overcrowding, particularly at designated sites, and this year proved no exception. While the Saudi authorities typically deploy extensive measures to ensure safety, the sheer number of individuals in close quarters often leads to dangerous situations.

As the pilgrims began the ritual, panic ensued due to pushing and shoving, creating an immediate danger as people attempted to navigate the congested area. The stampede quickly escalated as a significant number of individuals were trampled amidst the chaos. Medical teams and rescue services were promptly dispatched to the scene, but the rapid nature of the disaster exacerbated the casualty toll. Eyewitness accounts described scenes of distress as many fell and were unable to escape the surge of the crowd.

In the aftermath, the incident drew attention to crowd control measures during such significant religious events, prompting discussions on the need for improved safety protocols and infrastructure to better manage the influx of worshippers. The high number of casualties marked it as one of the deadliest occurrences in the history of Hajj.