Jordan’s Foreign Ministry reported a tragic update on Sunday, revealing that 14 Jordanian citizens have died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, with 17 others still unaccounted for. This sorrowful news comes as families and the nation grapple with the ongoing crisis.
The Jordanian authorities are working closely with Saudi officials to expedite the burial of the deceased. For those whose families wish to bring them back to Jordan, arrangements are being made for their repatriation. Meanwhile, efforts are in full swing to locate the missing pilgrims.
Notably, all those who died or went missing are not part of the official Jordanian Hajj delegation. They had traveled independently for the pilgrimage.
A day earlier, the Foreign Ministry had disclosed that six of the pilgrims died due to sunstroke. However, the causes of the additional deaths reported on Sunday remain unclear.
This year’s Hajj, which started on Friday with the Day of Tarwiyah, has seen millions of Muslims gather in Saudi Arabia for the sacred rituals. On Saturday, the pilgrims stood at Arafat, a pivotal part of the Hajj, and later spent the night in Muzdalifah. The rituals will continue over the next several days, highlighting the spiritual journey that millions undertake.
As the Hajj progresses, Jordan mourns the loss of its citizens and anxiously awaits news about the missing. The ongoing efforts to support the families affected by this tragedy show the community’s strength and solidarity during these challenging times.
