Stranded Hajj pilgrims to be airlifted home today

Ghanaian Muslim Pilgrims, who have been left stranded in Mecca, will be airlifted back home today, Monday, October 12.

The over 2000 pilgrims got stranded in the Holy land due to challenges with flight arrangements.

The situation was compounded by the stampede that led to the loss of lives.

Deputy Director of Communications of the Hajj Board Mohammed Amin Lamptey told Starr News departure arrangements have been made to bring the pilgrims back home later today.

This year’s Hajj has been more tragic than peaceful. More than 700 pilgrims were reported dead in a stampede near the Islamic holy city of Mecca.

Another 863 people were injured in the incident which occurred as two million pilgrims were taking part in the Hajj’s last major rite.

The pilgrims were travelling to Mina, a large valley about 5km (3 miles) from Mecca to throw seven stones at pillars called Jamarat, which represents the devil.

It is the deadliest incident to occur during the Hajj in 25 years.

Two weeks earlier, preparations for the Hajj were marred when a crane collapsed at Mecca’s Grand Mosque killing 109 people.