More like 6 thousand were dead this year in Hajj, as 60% the people performing Hajj each year are Saudi nationals and foreign workers living in Saudi, who have not been counted toward this new total.
This was the deadliest Hajj, in recent history by a wide margin. Interestingly this happened as soon as the new King was crowned. And culturally Saudi Kings measure there success with the success of hajj held each year. It's their pride point.
It's bad new all over.
https://www.rt.com/news/325555-mecca-hajj-stampede-casualties/