Security measures fail to stop hajj bloodshed

Thousands of Muslim pilgrims rushing to complete a symbolic stoning ritual during the hajj in Mina, Saudi Arabia, tripped over baggage today, causing a crush in which at least 345 people were killed and hundreds injured, despite Saudi attempts to prevent stampedes that have plagued the annual event.

The stampede occurred as tens of thousands of pilgrims headed toward al-Jamarat, a series of three pillars representing the devil that the faithful pelt with stones to purge themselves of sin.