The death toll of Egyptian pilgrims performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia's city of Mecca has risen to 78, the Egyptian Health Ministry has said.
Most of the dead pilgrims suffered heart attacks and breathing failure, Head of Egypt's medical Hajj mission Ahmed al-Ansary said in a statement. He said their age (60-80 years) was the main reason for their health problems.
It has also been reported that 14 Nigerians, 23 Bangladeshi and at least 78 Pakistani were among pilgrims who died in Saudi Arabia.
Deaths from heat exhaustion, fatigue and other natural causes are a common occurrence among pilgrims on the Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam; every Muslim is encouraged to participate in the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime if affordable.
More than two million Muslims participated in this year's Hajj season.
