Hajj pilgrimage death toll climbs into the hundreds
During the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, one of the most important events on the Muslim calendar, at least 450 people died under a scorching sun as they prayed at sacred sites around the holy city of Mecca.










Saleh Salem
Muslim pilgrims holding umbrellas walk on the third day of the Satan stoning ritual, amid extremely hot weather, during the annual haj pilgrimage, in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on June 18.Saleh Salem
A Muslim pilgrim couple hold hands as they walk with umbrellas at site of the Satan stoning, amid extremely hot weather, during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on June 18,.Saleh Salem
A Muslim pilgrim sprinkles water onto pilgrims to cool them down as they take part in the Satan stoning ritual, amid extremely hot weather, during the annual haj pilgrimage, in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on June 18.Saleh Salem
A woman fans the face of a Muslim pilgrim to cool down as they take part in the Satan stoning ritual, amid extremely hot weather, during the annual haj pilgrimage, in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on June 18.Mohammed Torokman
Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba as they perform Tawaf at the Grand Mosque, during the annual haj pilgrimage, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on June 18.