Yemen's deadly Ramadan crush: what we know
Published Apr 20, 2023 12:45 pm
SANAA, Yemen - Eight-five people were killed and hundreds injured in a crush during a charity handout in Yemen on Thursday.
Here's what we know so far from one of the deadliest such incidents in the last 10 years worldwide:
\- Charity handout in school \- The tragedy unfolded at a school in the Old City of Sanaa, a UNESCO world heritage site, after a large crowd gathered to receive a businessman's 5,000 rial (about $8) handout for the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting. The school is close to Bab al-Yemen, a highly decorated historic gateway that is the last of seven entrances to the Old City still standing.
\- Death toll \- Eighty-five people were killed and 322 injured with 50 in a serious condition, according to a security official for the Huthi rebels who control Sanaa. The toll, which includes women and children, was confirmed by a health official. Both officials spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to brief media. The figure announced publicly by the Huthis was lower: 78 dead and 77 injured, 13 seriously.
\- Gunfire reports \- Sanaa authorities blamed the tragedy on "overcrowding" in the narrow alley leading to the school. "When the gates opened, the crowd flooded on to the stairs leading to the school yard where the distribution was planned," tweeted Mohamed Ali al-Huthi, head of the Huthis' Supreme Revolutionary Committee. Eyewitnesses, however, said gunfire caused people to rush in panic. AFP was not able to verify their reports.
\- Arrests and inquiry \- Three businessmen have been arrested over the incident, a Huthi official told AFP. A commission of inquiry has also been established, according to the Huthis' official media.
\- Charity handout in school \- The tragedy unfolded at a school in the Old City of Sanaa, a UNESCO world heritage site, after a large crowd gathered to receive a businessman's 5,000 rial (about $8) handout for the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting. The school is close to Bab al-Yemen, a highly decorated historic gateway that is the last of seven entrances to the Old City still standing.
\- Death toll \- Eighty-five people were killed and 322 injured with 50 in a serious condition, according to a security official for the Huthi rebels who control Sanaa. The toll, which includes women and children, was confirmed by a health official. Both officials spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to brief media. The figure announced publicly by the Huthis was lower: 78 dead and 77 injured, 13 seriously.
\- Gunfire reports \- Sanaa authorities blamed the tragedy on "overcrowding" in the narrow alley leading to the school. "When the gates opened, the crowd flooded on to the stairs leading to the school yard where the distribution was planned," tweeted Mohamed Ali al-Huthi, head of the Huthis' Supreme Revolutionary Committee. Eyewitnesses, however, said gunfire caused people to rush in panic. AFP was not able to verify their reports.
\- Arrests and inquiry \- Three businessmen have been arrested over the incident, a Huthi official told AFP. A commission of inquiry has also been established, according to the Huthis' official media.