At least 78 people have died in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa, after a stampede.
Dozens more are said to be injured, according to Houthi-controlled news, during an event where financial aid was being distributed in the Old City.
A statement from the country’s Houthi-controlled interior ministry called what happened “tragic” and “painful”, saying it was a “random distribution of money by some merchants without coordination with the Ministry of Interior and without organisation”.
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It added: “The dead and injured were taken to hospitals and two of the merchants responsible for the matter were arrested.”
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View of crowd in Sanaa moments before the stampede
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Abandoned footwear and other belongings
Spokesperson Brigadier Al-Ajri also said an investigation is underway, and that, “we extend our sincere condolences and condolences to all the families of the victims, asking Allah Almighty to keep their hearts patient.”
Eyewitnesses told the Associated Press that Houthis shot up into the air to try to control the crowds, with a round said to have hit an electrical wire which caused it to explode and triggering panic on the ground.
They also said the money being handed out amounted to 5,000 Yemeni riyals – around $10 (£8).
The Associated Press added Houthi rebels worked to seal off the location where the money was being distributed, and blocked journalists from accessing it.
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People stand outside a school at the site of the stampede
Senior health official Motaher al-Marouni said at least 13 of the injured were seriously hurt.
Two organisers have been detained and an investigation into the event is under way, according to the Interior Ministry.
Stampede proves that life in Yemen is still fragile for many
The giving of money to charity is an important pillar of Islam, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
The offer of just £8 ($10) may not seem much but this conflict has left many without salaries and has meant civilians can’t afford basics like food and fuel. It is a depressing reflection of the damage that eight years of brutal civil war has done to Yemen and its citizens.
Although this month has seen positive steps towards peace – the visit of top Saudi officials to Sanaa and a prisoner swap – the humanitarian crisis is as urgent as ever.
The United Nations estimates 21 million Yemenis need assistance – an overwhelming task for aid agencies and local authorities working with broken infrastructure.
Although this tragedy is not a direct result of fighting in the country, it is as a result of the conflict that so many find themselves in such desperate need.
There is finally some hope in Yemen that the years of division and war might be close to ending, however, as this event has demonstrated, life there is still fragile for so many.
The Houthis said they would compensate each family who lost a relative with $2,000 (£1,600) and those injured would receive $400 (£321).
Iranian-backed Houthis have controlled Sanaa since 2014, when it overthrew the internationally recognised government there.
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What’s happening in Yemen?
Saudi Arabia attempted to intervene in 2015, but the conflict later became a proxy war against Iran, with more than 150,000 people dying as a result – one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the world.
Additional reporting by Ahmed Baider
