cairo ( ap ) — every year , millions of muslims converge on the saudi holy cities of mecca and medina for the annual hajj pilgrimage , with the massive ceremonies representing a major security and logistical challenge for the kingdom 's authorities .
the stampede occurred thursday morning during the ritual known as " stoning the devil " in a tent city in mina , about two miles from the holy site in mecca , islam 's holiest city .
it is the second disaster to strike mecca in two weeks , after a crane collapsed sign up and get access to special features connect to your facebook or twitter account and we 'll fill in your registration information .
another 863 people were injured in the incident at mina , which occurred as two million pilgrims were taking part in the hajj 's last major rite .
footage obtained by cnn arabic shows a disturbing scene .
the day before the hajj began , an eight - story building being used as a hostel near the ... ( associated press ) file - in this april 9 , 1998 file photo , pilgrims walk past a broken umbrella left on the ground at the site of a stampede that left more than 150 people dead at mina , saudi arabia .
media playback is unsupported on your device media caption bbc reporter tchima illa issoufou : " i lost my aunt as a result of the stampede " at least 717 people taking part in the hajj pilgrimage have been killed in a stampede near the islamic holy city of mecca , officials in saudi arabia say .
king salman has ordered an urgent review of this year 's hajj plans " to improve the level of organisation " .
the stampede broke ... ( associated press ) in this image posted on the official twitter account of the directorate of the saudi civil defense agency , rescuers respond to a stampede that