85 People died in Stampede at Financial Aid Distribution Program in Yemen

SANAA: Several people have died in a major accident in Yemen's capital Sanaa. A stampede broke out during the financial aide distribution program here, in which 85 people lost their lives and a large number of people were injured. The injured are being treated in the hospital. 

Notably, 322 people have been injured in this accident. The injured have been admitted to the hospital and are undergoing treatment. At least 85 killed in stampede in Bab al-Yaman district of Sana'a.

The accident happened just before Eid-ul-Fitr. According to Houthi-run Yemen's Interior Ministry, hundreds of poor people gathered at the event at the time of the incident. The Houthis have announced compensation of $2,000 to the families of the dead and about $400 to the injured.

Witnesses said armed Houthi rebels fired into the air to control the crowd and it exploded after hitting a power line. With this, panic spread among the people present in the program and people started running away. The Home Ministry said it has detained two administrators and the matter is being investigated.

According to Yemeni media, it is not yet known how many people were present at the time of the accident. The place where financial assistance was being given was a small road. There was a long line of about 2 km. The hurry situation can be seen in the viral photos and videos.