RIYADH, Jan. 13 (Xinhuanet) -- Saudi Interior Ministry announced on Friday that the death toll from Thursday's stampede in the Muslim holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia has risen to 363.

   Interior Ministry spokesman Mansur al-Turki said at a news conference that the total number of the dead has reached 363 and 203 of them, including 118 men and 85 women, have been identified.

   In addition, over 280 people were injured but only 45 have remained in hospital for medical treatment, he added.

   Meanwhile, the spokesman re-asserted that the tragedy occurred due to chaos caused by thousands of pilgrims rushing to complete asymbolic stoning ritual on the last day of the Hajj who tripped over luggage.

   Thursday's massive stampede was the second fatal incident in this year's Hajj.

   Earlier this month, a hostel housing pilgrims collapsed in Mecca, leaving over 76 people dead and scores of others injured.

   Millions of Muslims from more than 70 countries journey to the holy city of Mecca each year to perform the Hajj which begins on the eighth day of the 12th month of the Islamic year and fell on Sunday this year.  Enditem