26 trampled to death at Mali mosque

TIMBUKTU, Mali, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Officials in Timbuktu, Mali, said 26 people were trampled to death during a ceremonial Mouloud festival walk at the Djinguereber mosque.

Local officials said up to 25,000 people were making the ceremonial three laps around the building Friday as part of festivities celebrating the birth of Prophet Mohammad when an elderly woman slipped and 25 other people were trampled in the ensuing chaos, the BBC reported Friday.

Reports initially indicated 16 people had died but officials said they learned of a further 10 people who were buried by their families without involving a hospital.

Sources said the worshippers were taking a different path from usual because of ongoing renovations.