Iran demands role in hajj stampede inquiry: official

Tehran, Sep 25 (AFP) Iran demanded today that it and other affected countries be given a role in the Saudi investigation into the stampede that killed more than 700 pilgrims, including 131 Iranians, at this year's hajj.

"Countries such as Iran, which have suffered so much, should be represented in the inquiry to determine the causes of the catastrophe and to gain assurances that it will not be repeated in the future," First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri said after an extraordinary session of the cabinet.

At least Indian people also lost their lives in the stampede occurred on September 24 in Mina. It was the second worst ever tragedy to hit the annual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

The tragedy occurred due to a sudden rush of the pilgrims on Street 204 in Mina where they perform a symbolic stoning of the devil by throwing pebbles against three stone walls.

AFP