Egyptian Hajj Stampede Death Toll Reaches 138, with 96 Still Missing

TEHRAN (IQNA) - The total number of Egyptians who died during a stampede in the hajj reached 138, with 96 still missing, announced Mohamed Mokhtar Juma, the Minister of Awqaf (religious endowment.)

There are 17 injured.  Last Thursday, Saudi Arabia announced it had agreed to receive DNA samples from Egyptians whose relatives have been missing to compare them with the bodies of unidentified victims, Cairo Post reported.

The ministry announced Sunday that it has allocated a team to find and identify the missing Egyptians, urging family members to call the following officials to inquire about missing persons.

An Egypt Air bridge continues to transport pilgrims back from Saudi Arabia, with 20 flights from Jeddah and Medina scheduled Sunday.

On September 12, more than 100 people were killed after a crane fell over them in the vicinity of the Holy Mosque; eight of them were Egyptians.