The death of more than 717 people in a stampede at Hajj on the day of Eid is a tragedy. But it was not a natural disaster. It is a man-made incident that could have been avoided. 

Saudi authorities pledged to investigate the deadly blunder, which was caused by two large groups of pilgrims reaching a crossroad at the same time. But transparency is lacking in the Gulf monarchy, whose ruling system is governed by family ties.

The Saudi royal family is a rogue, powerful entity that rarely takes responsibility for its actions, domestically or internationally. If Saudi royals are behind the incident, their negligence will not be punished. When the state is a family, the people in power are above the law.

The king or crown prince will not resign over this tragedy.

When there is no accountability, catastrophes are bound to happen. If mistakes are not punished, people lose their incentive to perform their duties adequately. 

While Thursday’s stampede is the worst in 25 years, fatalities have become common during Hajj. Deadly stampedes are an annual occurrence. The yearly pilgrimage, which able Muslims are required to perform at least once in their lives, has been plagued with organizational issues that cost lives.

Stampedes killed 180 pilgrims in 1998; 35 in 2001; 244 in 2004 and 360 in 2006. This problem is chronic and the Saudi government is not addressing it properly.

Two years ago, a group of local pilgrims was attacked by sectarian extremists in front of the watchful eyes of the Saudi security forces.

Hajj is the world’s largest annual gathering of people. The Saudi monarchs are proving unqualified to organize the event.