UK's Cameron expresses sorrow over Hajj tragedy

British Prime Minister David Cameron has offered his condolences to the families of more than 700 people killed in a stampede in Saudi Arabia on Thursday.

At least 717 Hajj pilgrims were killed – and at least 800 injured – in a stampede that occurred near the city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia, according to Saudi officials.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed at the Hajj pilgrimage,” Cameron said on an official social media account.

British Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond also expressed his sadness in a statement.

“I was saddened to hear of the enormous loss of life in Makkah. My thoughts are with families and victims at this difficult time,” Hammond said in a government statement.

“We are also deploying further staff from the region to bolster our response,” the British foreign secretary said.

The stampede occurred in the town of Mina, located roughly five kilometers east of Makkah, shortly after pilgrims had performed a ritual in which they threw stones at a structure representing the devil.

The Hajj pilgrimage to the city of Makkah is one of the five pillars of Islam.