At least 4 individuals have been killed after a stampede on the landmark Umayyad Mosque in Syria’s capital Damascus on Friday.
“Damascus Health Director Dr Mohammed Akram Maatouq announced that the final toll from the unfortunate stampede that occurred today in the Great Umayyad Mosque and its surroundings is four dead and 16 injured,” a press release carried by state news company SANA stated.
Earlier, Damascus Governor Maher Marwan had instructed SANA that the lethal crush occurred “during a civilian event at the mosque.”
A photographer who collaborates with AFP and was on the web site of the stampede noticed massive crowds gathered close to the mosque as a result of free meals have been being handed out.
Ghina, who was on the mosque to attend Friday prayers, stated she noticed “people carrying an elderly woman with blood dripping from her face,” including that she appeared lifeless.
The Al-Watan newspaper stated the stampede occurred through the distribution of free meals by a social media persona.
A YouTuber known as Chef Abu Omar, who has a restaurant in Istanbul, had earlier posted a video of preparations for the distribution of free meals on the Umayyad Mosque.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani had visited the mosque within the morning.
Source: www.dailysabah.com