Yemen crowd crush – at least 85 dead in horror Ramadan stampede after gunfire used to control crowds sparks mass panic

AT least 85 people have died in a horror crowd crush in Yemen after gunfire sparked a panicked stampede.

More than 70 have been injured including women and children following the tragedy in the Yemeni capital Sana'a late on Wednesday night.

Video shared on social media shows dozens of bodies strewn across the streets motionless while others scream for help.

Other footage shows blood on the streets with abandoned shoes and clothing scattered around.

Disaster struck during the Muslim festival of Ramadan as merchants were handing out money to poor people.

Wealthy people and businesses often hand out cash and food - usually working out at around $10 each - especially ahead of Eid-al-Fitr which marks the end of Ramadan.

Armed Houthi rebels - who control Yemen - fired into the air to try and control the crowd, accidentally striking an electrical wire and sparking an explosion, according to eyewitnesses.

This triggered a panic and led to hundreds of people trying to run away.

The crush has been blamed on money being "randomly distributed" without any coordination from local authorities.

Journalists have been barred from the school where the event was being held by the rebels.

The Houthis have pledged to pay around $2,000 (£1,600) in compensation to each bereaved family, while the injured would receive $400 (£321).

The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have controlled Sana'a since 2014 when they kicked out the country's government.