2024 Hajj: Six Ghanaians dead as intense heat wave kills over 1000 in Saudi Arabia

Six Ghanaian nationals have died in Mecca due to a heat wave in Saudi Arabia, bringing the death toll to eight.

Abdul Rahman Alhassan Gomba, spokesperson for the Hajj Board, confirmed the deaths on Eyewitness News.

The pilgrims, in Madina for their religious journey, faced temperatures above 41°C.

Saudi authorities mandated that pilgrims stay in tents from noon to 4 p.m. due to the heat.

Initial reports of fatalities included Georgian nationals, later revealing Ghanaian casualties.

The forensic centre has identified six Ghanaians, with the exact number still under investigation. Over 1,000 pilgrims have died during the Hajj pilgrimage.