At least 78 dead in stampede at school in Yemen

Tragedy in Sanaa’s Old City believed to be one of the deadliest seen in years

A deadly stampede in Yemen where hundreds gathered for a cash handout marking Ramadan has highlighted the plight of the war-torn country where two thirds of the population rely on humanitarian aid.

At least 78 people were killed in the crush at a school in Sanaa as residents gathered to receive cash donations distributed by merchants during the Muslim holy month, which ends on Friday.

Hundreds crowded to receive the payouts, which amounted to 5,000 Yemeni riyals, or about £15 per person, on Wednesday night.