Injured Victims of Essaouira’s Deadly Stampede Leave Hospital

Rabat – After the stampede that killed 15 people and injured at least 40 others during a food aid delivery in the town of Sidi Boulalam in the Essaouira province, the wounded were discharged from the provincial hospital provincial hospital of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah on Tuesday.

A series of measures were also taken by Moroccan authorities to ensure the arrival of the injured at their homes. The wounded will receive both medical and psychological post-hospitalization in their localities, reported Maghreb Arab Press (MAP).

The agency reported that only five people were injured. However, other Moroccan news outlets said that the stampede cause the injury of at least 40 people.

Khalid Sniter, the provincial health director, told the press that the wounded were allowed to leave the hospital on the basis of the conclusions of the medical staff and social assistance in charge of providing care for the injured.

He added that the wounded have expressed their happiness for being able to return to their homes. The injured under recovery have also expressed “their heartfelt thanks to King Mohammed VI for supporting them in these difficult moments,” added MAP.

The fatal stampede shocked the Moroccan public. In response, the Ministry of Interior announced that “the public will be updated with all conclusions and measures taken, in accordance with the investigations carried out in this case.”

An investigation is underway to determine the causes of the incident and to establish responsibilities, said the interior ministry, which has also opened an administrative enquiry. The ministry has not however revealed the results of the investigation.

Following the incident, King Mohammed VI gave his high instructions to the competent authorities to take all measures to provide the necessary support and assistance to the families of the victims and the injured.

The Sovereign also decided to personally pay for the expenses of the burial and funeral of the victims, as well as for the costs of the wounded’s hospitalization.