A tragic crush at a school in Yemens capital, Sanaa, killed at least 78 people. They were gathered for a Ramadan charity distribution. The incident occurred in the citys Bab al-Yemen neighbourhood, where a big crowd had assembled to receive charitable donations totalling roughly $9 per individual. The Houthi movement organised the distribution, which has ruled Sanaa since 2015. People in despair are seen on video, unable to move, with bodies on the ground. Two local businessmen were detained for organising the event, and an inquiry is currently underway. The interior ministry accused the tragedy on the “random distribution” of money. Apart from the deaths, many individuals were hurt, with some critically injured, including women and children. How the tragedy occurredAccording to two eyewitnesses, Houthi militants fired into the air in an attempt to control the masses, allegedly striking an electrical wire and leading to an explosion. According to them, this prompted panic, which resulted in the crush. The rebels are claimed to have then blocked off the school and banned others from coming, including journalists. According to reports, the Houthis have agreed to compensate $2,000 (£1,600) to each family who has lost a relative, while the injured would receive roughly $400 (£322).The incident occurred in the final days of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month. A massive prisoner transfer between warring parties in Yemen began last week as part of increased attempts to end the horrific eight-year conflict. The Houthis Supreme Revolutionary Committee chief, Mohamed Ali al-Houthi, condemned Wednesdays accident. “We hold those responsible nations accountable for what happened and the bitter reality that the Yemeni people suffer as a result of the war and blockade,” he stated on Twitter.A war-torn nationYemen has been wracked by a conflict since 2015, beginning with the Houthis capture of substantial portions of the country. In response, a Saudi-led coalition intervened to help Yemens government. Over 150,000 people have been killed in the conflict, which many see as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. More than 23 million people, or three-quarters of the population, are in need of aid due to the situation. As a result, Yemens internationally recognised government has relocated to Aden.
