MADINAH — As many as 69 pilgrims of various nationalities have died in Madinah since the beginning of the Haj season from chronic diseases and old age, the private corporation of guides announced. The corporation's chairman, Adi Omar Habash, said all those who died were buried in Al-Baqee graveyard in Madinah near the Prophet's Mosque. Habash said the dead were from 17 countries, including Indonesia, India, Iran, Singapore, Afghanistan, Tunisia, Britain, Turkey, Malaysia, Thailand and Pakistan. He said all of those who died were elderly and suffering from various chronic diseases. He said death certificates and burial permits had been issued and were being kept in their files, together with their passports. A further 88 pilgrims are receiving medical treatment in various government hospitals. — SG
