Latest figures from Saudi Arabia on the Hajj Stampede have pegged the death toll of Ghanaians at 17.
Ghana’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alhaji Said Sinare confirmed the number but explained that out of the 17, “12 died from the stampede and the remaining of natural causes.”
A stampede at this year’s Mecca pilgrimage has claimed hundreds of lives in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In all, about 5,309 Ghanaians left the shores of Ghana to take part in this year’s Hajj.
The stampede occurred when two large groups converge to perform one of the Hajj rites
Alhaji Sinare told Pulse.com.gh that 26 people have still not been accounted for and a search is still ongoing to look for the missing people.
He said: “by next week the figures will definite change.”
This year’s stampede is the deadliest in 25 years.
While Saudi authorities put the death toll at over 769 media reports say over 1000 people are dead.