In a rush outside the Umayyad Mosque in the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Friday, at least three ladies lost their lives and five children were seriously injured as they tried to receive free meals as part of a humanitarian event.
The Syrian Civil Defense said the incident occurred during a banquet promoted by a well-known chef, Abu Omari al-Dimashqi, who had invited the public to a free meal in the yard of the historic mosque in the Old City of Damascus.
According to local sources and eyewitnesses, large crowds flocked into the mosque’s courtyard and nearby areas amid an apparent shortage of crowd control measures, leading to chaotic scenes.
It was gathered that security personnel arrived at the scene, closing off roads to manage the influx of attendees.
The Umayyad Mosque, which is one of the most iconic landmarks of Damascus, typically hosts religious and cultural events.
Large-scale public gatherings are rarely held there and usually require prior coordination with local officials.
The city’s security and public service structures are still adjusting after the recent political upheaval, following the abrupt end of the previous Syrian government in December 2024.