In a tragic accident, at least 85 people were killed and 322 injured, today (Thursday), in Yemen, in one of the largest stampede incidents in the world in the last ten years, during the distribution of financial aid in the capital, Sana'a. And the agency "Agence France Presse" quoted a Houthi source as saying: 85 people were killed and more than 322 were injured, including 50 in critical condition, including women and children, in the stampede. A medical official confirmed the outcome of the accident, which took place in the Bab al-Yaman area in central Sana'a.
Eyewitnesses reported that the incident took place inside Maeen School, when hundreds gathered to receive aid, according to eyewitness accounts. Some of them said that gunfire led to the stampede.
The Saba News Agency quoted Houthi sources as saying: The incident occurred due to a stampede of citizens during the random distribution of sums of money by some merchants. She added that the dead and injured were transferred to hospitals, and two merchants in charge of the matter were arrested.
A large number of the victims' families gathered in front of Al-Thawra Hospital, trying to enter, but the security men prevented them, at a time when officials visited the hospital.
The Houthi security forces quickly imposed a security cordon around Maeen School at Bab Al-Yaman in Old Sana'a, where the incident took place, and prevented entry to the place and filming it.
It is noteworthy that this is one of the largest stampede incidents in the world during the last ten years, according to the outcome of this type of accident prepared by «Agence France Presse».
A UN report revealed that more than 21.7 million Yemenis (two-thirds of the population) need humanitarian aid this year.
Okaz (Jeddah) @okaz_online