Hajj death toll : 17 Moroccans perish

The death toll of Moroccan pilgrims in Hajj has reached 17 so far, an authorized source told Medias24 on Wednesday. The deaths are linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart problems, the same source added.

The source assured that the number of Moroccan deaths is less than the average number typically ranging from 30 to 45.

15% of the 34,000 Moroccan pilgrims participating in Hajj this year are senior citizens, aged more than 82 years old.

This update comes as more than 900 pilgrims died this year while performing Hajj under high temperatures that reached 51.8 degrees Celsius, according to AFP. Egyptians accounted for the majority of these deaths, with at least 600 dead.