Authorities have confirmed that tragedy struck Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, and that at least 80 people perished in a terrible accident that occurred at a school as aid was being distributed for Ramadan.
Social media videos that have gone viral depict the frantic events that followed the incident in the city’s Bab-al-Yemen neighbourhood.
Hundreds of people reportedly rushed into the school to receive gifts and donations totaling about $9 (£7) per person, according to the BBC.
After driving out the government, Houthi rebels have been in charge of the city since 2015.
The interior ministry disclosed that those responsible for the distribution had been detained, and an investigation is underway.
A spokesman for the ministry blamed the stampede on the “random distribution” of funds without coordination with local officials.
A health official in Sanaa said many people were also injured, with 13 in a critical situation.
Rescue efforts were ongoing at the time of filing this report.
See the video link:
A tragedy in Yemen's Sanaa
Shocking footage shows the number of casualties in apparent electroshock after the stampede at Maeen School outside the Old City of Sanaa.
Authorities still investigating the causes. pic.twitter.com/r19zCwQPKA
— Naseh Shaker (@Naseh_Shaker) April 19, 2023
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