Experts on crowd control explain that such stampedes occur when massive crowds of people, in a tightly packed space, attempt to press forward when there is no way to divert or turn back. Saudi authorities have explained the stampede as a fault of the pilgrims not heeding instructions.

It is unfortunate that in the course of a fortnight two tragedies had struck Makkah Mukarma. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the dead.