A horrific tragedy struck a Ramadan charity event in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, on Wednesday night, resulting in the deaths of at least 78 people and injuring at least 73 others. Witnesses and officials reported that the stampede was partially caused by the sound of gunfire and an electrical explosion.
The event was held in the Old City of Sanaa, where crowds had gathered to accept financial aid during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Distributing financial aid during Ramadan is a common practice, with wealthy people and businessmen often handing out cash and food.
The event was organized by local merchants and funded by a charity. Hundreds of people had reportedly gathered to accept about $10 each. The tragedy occurred because of the “random distribution” of funds without coordination with local authorities, according to the Houthi-run Interior Ministry.
In an effort to control the crowd, armed Houthis apparently discharged their weapons into the air. This action is believed to have hit an electrical wire, resulting in an explosion that triggered panic among the people.
The resulting stampede involved women and children, among others, as they rushed to flee the area, according to witnesses Abdel-Rahman Ahmed and Yahia Mohsen, per The New York Times.
On social media, videos were shared showing numerous bodies lying still while others were heard screaming for help. Additionally, Houthi officials released separate footage of the tragedy’s aftermath, which showed the victims’ bloodstains, shoes, and clothing strewn across the ground. Investigators were observed examining the area.
The rebels reportedly took swift action to secure the school where the event was taking place and prevented individuals, including journalists, from accessing the area. The Interior Ministry has apprehended two organizers and is investigating the matter.
This calamity is the deadliest in recent times that was not associated with Yemen’s protracted conflict. The unfortunate event occurred just before the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which signals the end of Ramadan later this week.
The Houthis have pledged to provide compensation of approximately $2,000 to each family who lost a loved one, while the wounded will receive roughly $400.
The Houthis, who are supported by Iran, emanated from their northern stronghold and overtook Yemen’s capital in 2014, overthrowing the government recognized by the international community. The actions of the Houthis prompted a Saudi-led coalition’s involvement in 2015, which aimed to reinstate the internationally recognized government.
Over the years, the conflict has evolved into a proxy fight between Iran and Saudi Arabia, resulting in the loss of more than 150,000 lives, including both combatants and non-combatants. Furthermore, the conflict has created one of the world’s most dire humanitarian crises.
Following eight years of civil war, a new set of discussions has emerged, giving rise to a glimmer of hope for progress. These talks, held in Sanaa, brought together the Houthis, who control Yemen’s capital and northwest, and Saudi Arabia.
Negotiators are striving to restore a ceasefire and achieve the complete withdrawal of foreign troops from Yemen.
Should an agreement be reached, it has the potential to enhance the number of flights departing from Sanaa International Airport and enable thousands of people to journey for essential medical care. Additionally, the deal could allow for the resumption of Yemeni oil exports and lift restrictions on ports, making vital commodities more accessible and decreasing inflation.