Scientific Research Uncovers Physics Theory Behind the 2006 Mina Tunnel Tragedy and Its On-the-Spot Solution

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, RIYADH — One of the most heartbreaking tragedies in performing the Hajj occurred on 12 January 2006, coinciding with 12 Dhu al-Hijjah 1426 AH, at the eastern entrance area of the old Jamarat Bridge in Mina, Mecca. On that day, the eastern section of the bridge entrance became the site of a deadly crush at the peak of crowding on the day of nafar. At least 362 pilgrims died and hundreds more were injured after crowds pressed into a narrow area with extremely high density, exceeding seven people per square metre. The situation worsened due to the mixing of inbound and outbound flows of pilgrims and the large amount of belongings that impeded movement. To prevent a similar tragedy from recurring, scientists sought to understand the primary causes behind the disaster and to seek an appropriate solution. The effort was undertaken through a study led by prominent German scientist in the field of computational sociology, Dirk Helbing, who is now a professor at ETH Zurich. According to Al Jazeera, on Wednesday (20/5/2026), the research was conducted together with two other figures, namely researcher Anders Johansson — who is now an associate professor of technical mathematics at the University of Bristol — and former Saudi Deputy Minister for Municipal and Rural Affairs, Dr Habib Zain Al-Abidin.