Saudi Arabia's most senior cleric, the grand mufti, has said Thursday's stampede that killed more than 700 people at the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca was beyond human control.

He told the interior minister, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, that he was not to blame for the tragedy.

Iran and several other countries have criticised Saudi authorities for the way they handled safety issues.

It was the deadliest incident to occur during the pilgrimage in 25 years.

King Salman has ordered a safety review.

The pilgrimage, or Hajj, is now into its final day, with no further serious incidents reported.

(BBC)