Yemeni gov’t calls for int’l probe into deadly stampede in Sanaa

This video screenshot of the Houthi-run Al Masirah TV shows injured people receiving medical treatment after a stampede at a hospital in Sanaa, Yemen on April 19, 2023. Yemen's government on Thursday called for an international investigation into the deadly stampede in the Houthi-controlled capital of Sanaa, as the death toll has grown from 80 to at least 87. (Xinhua)

Yemen’s government on Thursday called for an international investigation into the deadly stampede in the Houthi-controlled capital of Sanaa, as the death toll has grown from 80 to at least 87.

The Yemeni government, based in the southern port city of Aden, issued a statement, calling for “an independent and comprehensive international investigation to shed light on the details and circumstances surrounding the deadly stampede in Sanaa.”

It added that “the recent disaster is a reflection of the ongoing hardships faced by Yemenis on a daily basis since the Houthi takeover of Sanaa in 2014, which has led to the loss of income, taxes, and widespread suffering due to hunger and poverty.”

The Houthi-run interior ministry said the disaster on Wednesday evening was caused by a stampede during the random distribution of cash by local merchants, without organization or collaboration with the ministry, reported the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

Abdul Khaliq Al-Ajri, the spokesman for the ministry, was quoted as saying that two merchants responsible for the uncoordinated distribution of money were arrested while an investigation was already launched.

A Houthi official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Xinhua that “the stampede in Sanaa has resulted in a death toll of at least 87 people, with over 320 injured and approximately 59 in serious condition.”

Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when the Houthi group seized control of several northern provinces and forced the internationally-recognized Yemeni government out of Sanaa. ■

About Famagusta Gazette 8499 Articles
In addition to our Mediterranean perspective, Famagusta Gazette publish extensive coverage of world news, travel and tourism features, and financial information. Follow us on Twitter @FamagustaG