Two brothers arrested over Ramadan Stampede in Yemen

By Sola Omoniyi, Lagos

A yet-to-be-identified brother aged 16 and 17 have been arrested following the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of not less than 80 people and left over 200 others injured.

The final days of Ramadan in Yemen have been recorded as unforgettable as a tragic stampede killed at least 78 people and left hundreds more injured.

Two brothers aged 16 and 17 are in police custody, accused of being part of the deadly shooting.

The stampede happened during an aid distribution centre in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, on Wednesday, April 19 evening, which has claimed many lives.

According to photographs and videos obtained by Congress News, hundreds of people had crowded into the centre to receive charitable donations from merchants in the final days of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which amounted to 5,000 Yemeni riyals, which is equivalent to $10 per person.

It was reported that an associated agency fired into the air in an attempt to control the crowd, unfortunately hitting an electric wire, which exploded and caused panic among those waiting.

A video sighted by Congress News shows lifeless bodies packed together and people climbing on each other to run for safety.

It was gathered that about 73 injured persons were present at Al-Thowra Hospital in Sanaa, the hospital deputy director, Hamdan Bagheri confirmed.

Brig. Abdel Khaleq, the state Ministry of Interior spokesperson described the incident as “tragic” blaming the distribution of funds without proper coordination.

However, the two merchants who organized the event had been detained and an investigation is going on, according to the ministry.

The organizer would have to pay families who lost loved ones a sum of $2000 for compensation, while those injured would get about $400.