The stampede occurred during the ritual known as "stoning the devil" in the tent city of Mina, about two miles from Mecca.
Hundreds have been killed in past years during the same ceremony.
"We have a stampede accident in Mina and civil defense is dealing with it," Interior Ministry spokesman Brig. Gen. Mansour al-Turki said.
The latest death toll, according to the civil defense ministry, is 310 but the numbers have been climbing steadily throughout the day.
Officials deployed 4,000 workers and 220 ambulances and other vehicles to Mina to help with the disaster.
In the ritual, crowds of pilgrims throw stones at three pillars, in a re-enactment of an event when Prophet Abraham stoned the devil and rejected his temptations, according to Muslim traditions.
The latest death toll, according to the civil defense ministry, is 310 but the numbers have been climbing steadily throughout the day.
Officials deployed 4,000 workers and 220 ambulances and other vehicles to Mina to help with the disaster.
In the ritual, crowds of pilgrims throw stones at three pillars, in a re-enactment of an event when Prophet Abraham stoned the devil and rejected his temptations, according to Muslim traditions.
