This image released by Ansar Allah Houthi Media Office, shows the aftermath of a deadly stampede in Sanna, Yemen, April 19, 2023. (PHOTO / ANSAR ALLAH HOUTHI MEDIA OFFICE VIA AP)
SANAA – At least 80 people were killed and more than 220 others injured in a stampede Wednesday at an aid center in the Bab Al-Yemen area of Sanaa, Yemen's capital, according to the Houthi-run health authority.
Anis Al-Subaihi, the official spokesman for the Houthi health authority, confirmed the incident to Xinhua, saying that medical teams immediately responded and transferred the injured to several hospitals in the capital for treatment.
This AFP graphic shows the map of Yemen, with its capital Sanaa.
Abdul Khaliq Al-Ajri, spokesman for the ministry, was quoted by the TV as saying that the authorities have arrested two merchants responsible for the uncoordinated distribution of money and are investigating the incident
The Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported that the interior ministry of the group claimed the disaster was caused by a stampede during the random distribution of cash by local merchants, without organization or collaboration with the ministry.
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Abdul Khaliq Al-Ajri, spokesman for the ministry, was quoted by the TV as saying that the authorities have arrested two merchants responsible for the uncoordinated distribution of money and are investigating the incident.
Many Yemenis, impoverished by years of conflicts, flocked to charity centers for basic needs as Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important festivals for Muslims, is approaching.
The stampede took place during the distribution of charitable donations by merchants in the final days of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the Houthi-controlled Ministry of Interior's spokesperson said in a statement.
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Hundreds of people had crowded into a school to receive the donations, which amounted to 5,000 Yemeni riyals, or about $9 per person, two witnesses involved in the rescue effort told Reuters.
In this screengrab taken on April 20, 2023 from Al-Masirah TV video footage taken on April 19 via AFPTV, people react during a stampede at a charity distribution event in Yemen's capital Sanaa. (PHOTO / AL-MASIRAH TV / AFP)
A video posted by Houthi television on Telegram messaging app showed a crowd of people jamed together, some screaming and shouting and reaching out to be pulled to safety. Security staff fought to push people back and control the crowd.
Another video after the stampede showed scores of discarded shoes, a crutch and clothing on the steps of the building, and forensic investigators in protective white suits sorting through personal belongings.
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Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014, when the Iran-backed Houthi militia seized control of several northern provinces and forced the Saudi-backed Yemeni government out of the capital Sanaa.
The war has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced 4 million and pushed Yemen to the brink of starvation.