Yemen: 78 killed in stampede at Ramzan event
Sanaa, April 20
At least 78 persons were killed in a stampede in the Yemeni capital Sanaa as residents gathered at a school to receive cash donations distributed by merchants during Ramadan, witnesses and the Houthi administration said on Thursday.
Hundreds of people crowded to receive the alms, which amounted to 5,000 Yemeni riyals, or about $9 per person, two witnesses involved in the rescue effort said.
“When the door opened, there was a rush by people wanting to reach the school yard first and some people fell on the steps leading to the entrance,” one medic said.
Two thirds of the population need help in the war-torn country, which was impoverished even before the conflict erupted eight years ago.
The Houthi health ministry said 77 persons were injured, including 13 in a critical condition, in the charge. — Reuters
