Religion kills

MINA, Saudi Arabia - Thousands of Muslim pilgrims rushing to complete a symbolic stoning ritual on the last day of the hajj tripped over luggage Thursday, causing a crush in which at least 110 people were killed and 1,000 injured, Saudi medical officials said.

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.

An emergency services worker at the scene said at least 110 people were killed and that number likely would increase. The medical official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press.

More than 1,000 people were injured, said Dr. Abbasi with the Saudi Red Crescent said.

What was that commercial about the luggage that was built really sturdy, and could take a beating?

I could make a really funny commercial for them.

"Samsonite. Built hajj tough."

** update **

MINA, Saudi Arabia - Thousands of Muslim pilgrims rushing to complete a symbolic stoning ritual during the hajj tripped over luggage Thursday, causing a crush in which at least 345 people were killed, the Interior Ministry said.

** update 2 **

MECCA, Saudi Arabia - Officials on Friday raised the death toll in a stampede by Muslim pilgrims to 363, and the Saudi Interior Ministry defended its response, saying security forces were alerted to the problem immediately.