Mecca, September 24 (RHC)-- At least 700 people have been killed and nearly 720 others injured in a crush during Hajj pilgrimage rituals outside Mecca. According to Saudi disaster officials, the incident occurred in Mina, near Mecca, after two large masses of pilgrims coming down parallel streets fused together.

The incident took place as people were heading to participate in the symbolic stoning of Satan. Over 220 ambulances and 4,000 rescue workers have reportedly been sent to the location.

Some two million people are currently in Mecca for this year's Hajj pilgrimage. More than 360 pilgrims lost their lives during the same ritual in Mina back in January 2006. And today's incident comes just days after a massive construction crane collapsed into Mecca's Grand Mosque, killing more than 100 people and leaving over 200 others wounded.