15 people dead in devastating gas station explosion in Yemen
- An explosion occurred at a gas station in the Zaher district of Bayda province in Yemen, resulting in fire and significant casualties.
- At least 67 individuals sustained injuries, with 40 reported in critical condition, while rescue efforts continue for those missing.
- This incident underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis and violence affecting Yemen amid a prolonged civil war.
In central Yemen, an explosion at a gas station led to a devastating fire, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 individuals. This tragic incident occurred in the Zaher district of the Bayda province on Saturday. According to health officials from the Houthi rebel-run Health Ministry, more than 67 people were injured in the blast, with 40 in critical condition. The current situation includes ongoing rescue operations to locate those who remain unaccounted for. The explosion’s cause is still under investigation, and no immediate information has surfaced regarding potential factors leading to the incident. Online footage showcased the aftermath of the explosion, highlighting a massive inferno and significant damage, with vehicles caught in the flames. Central Yemen, specifically Bayda, is currently under the control of Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who have been entrenched in conflict with Yemen’s internationally recognized government for over a decade. Since then, the country has been embroiled in a civil war, which commenced in 2014 when Houthi rebels seized control of the capital, Sanaa, prompting the government to relocate first to the southern regions and then to Saudi Arabia. A coalition led by Saudi Arabia intervened in the conflict in March 2015, acting with support from the United States, with the intention of restoring the internationally recognized government to power. The protracted nature of the war has resulted in substantial casualties, with estimates exceeding 150,000 fatalities among civilians and combatants alike. Over recent years, the conflict has devolved largely into a stalemate, contributing to one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The implications of such incidents extend beyond immediate loss of life; they reflect the ongoing volatility and dangers present in Yemen, where the civil war has inflicted long-lasting damage on infrastructure and public safety. As the conflict persists with no clear resolution in sight, incidents like the gas station explosion serve as stark reminders of the appalling conditions many Yemens face on a daily basis in a war-torn country.