Solace offered in stampede deaths

China is deeply saddened by the loss of life and the injuries that have occurred as a result of a stampede in the Mina Valley, about 5 kilometers from Mecca, Saudi Arabia, said a Foreign Ministry spokesman on Friday.

"We extend profound condolences to the victims as well as heartfelt sympathy to the injured and the bereaved families of the victims," said spokesman Hong Lei at a regular news briefing.

So far, the ministry has learned that one Chinese pilgrim died in Thursday's tragedy, and the Chinese embassy in Saudi Arabia and the China Hajj Working Delegation have contingency plans to deal with such incidents, he said.