Five Chinese people were killed and more than a dozen injured in Sunday's tragedy in Mena, Saudi Arabia, during a devil-stoning rite which is part of the Muslim annual pilgrimage or hajj.  

The five Chinese hajjes, two men and three women whose names have not yet been released by press time, were fatally injured near the Jamarat Bridge. All were from northwest China's Gansu Province.

Another 14 Chinese pilgrims suffered minor injuries during the rush of people that left 244 dead. Symptoms among the 14 included fainting, difficulty in breathing and some wounds.

Some of them have already been released from hospitals after treatment, said Chang Yi, consul-general of China's Consulate General in Djidda.

The others who were previously reported missing have returned.

"This place for pilgrimage is so large that pilgrims can easily get lost," said Chang's colleague, Deputy Consul-General Su Gaochao.

Chinese President Hu Jintao, who is on a state visit to the Central African country Gabon, on Sunday ordered the Chinese diplomatic staff in Saudi Arabia to "take every measure necessary" to help local authorities look for missing Chinese citizens, assist the victims and help make arrangements for the deceased.

The five Chinese killed in the rush of people will likely be buried in Saudi Arabia, Su said.

"My heart sank when I saw a whole street scattered with slippers and robes, where police were in the middle of the rescue work and ambulances waiting to bring the injured to hospitals," said Amr Zhang Guanglin with the China Islamic Association, who rushed to the scene on hearing the news.

"There was a sad mood among the Gansu pilgrims at first," said Zhang. "They are getting over and the accident has not swayed their mood in completing the rest of the religious rites."

More than 10,000 Chinese Muslims went on the pilgrimage this year, including more than 4,000 participating in package trips arranged by the China Islamic Association. They left early last month from Beijing, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China and Yunnan Province in southwest China. They are scheduled to return between the 7th and the 17th this month.

At least 244 Muslim pilgrims from around the world were killed in Sunday's tragedy. Another 244 were injured. It was the most serious loss of lives during a pilgrimage since 1997 when a fire at a camp in Mena killed 343 pilgrims. No Chinese were killed that year.

Going on pilgrimage to Mecca is considered the loftiest achievement of a Muslim's life. The religion ordains that those who undertake the pilgrimage should be in sound health and can afford the journey.

(China Daily February 3, 2004)