Syria: Stampede at Umayyad Mosque claims four lives
A crowd gathers outside the Umayyad Mosque as they await updates following a stampede that occurred during Friday prayers in Damascus, Syria, Friday Jan. 10, 2025. (AP)
A tragic stampede at the historic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus on Friday left four people dead and 16 injured, according to the Syrian state news agency (SANA).
Among the injured were five children, who suffered fractures, severe bruises, and fainting, as reported by the civil defense.
The incident occurred during the distribution of free meals, drawing large crowds near the mosque. A photographer at the scene described chaotic scenes as people scrambled for food packages, while a video obtained by the Associated Press depicted the overwhelming crowd.
Witnesses recounted harrowing moments. Ghina, a worshipper present for Friday prayers, reported seeing “people carrying an elderly woman with blood dripping from her face,” who appeared lifeless.
Local media, including Al-Watan newspaper, linked the stampede to a food distribution event organized by Chef Abu Omar, a social media personality and restaurateur based in Istanbul. He had earlier posted a video showcasing preparations for the meal handout.
Damascus Governor Maher Marwan assured that authorities are investigating the incident and will hold those responsible accountable. “We are working to take urgent measures to ensure such incidents are not repeated in public places,” Marwan told SANA.
This tragedy comes amid a period of significant upheaval in Syria, with new rulers seizing control of Damascus on December 8, forcing President Bashar Assad to flee after 13 years of civil war, ending his family’s decades-long regime.
