Saudi officials accused of causing Hajj stampede by closing off roads for dignitaries - as country's health minister says deaths of 717 pilgrims was 'God's will'

Saudi authorities were today accused of triggering the Hajj stampede that killed more than 700 by closing roads so dignitaries could reach a palace.

The horrific crush, which also left hundreds wounded, happened when two giant waves of Muslims collided at an intersection near a holy site in Mina.

Saudi health Minister Khaled al-Falih blamed victims for the disaster for failing to follow instructions, adding: 'This type of accident could have been avoided. However, this is God's will.'

But pilgrims and Muslim groups hit back angrily at the claims, accusing Saudi police of creating fatal bottlenecks by closing two roads being used by hundreds of thousands of worshippers.

Mohammed Jafari, an advisor to the Hajj and Umrah Travel tour operator in the UK, said: 'Talking to pilgrims on the ground, they say the main reason for this accident was that the King and his palace was receiving dignitaries including the minister of defence and members of the GCC (the Gulf Co-operation Council).

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