The town of Bir Touta near Algiers witnessed a stampede at the point of sale of state-backed Eid al-Adha sacrifices, where thousands of citizens gathered to obtain sacrificial animals at reduced prices.
Congestion caused by reduced prices brought traffic to a halt and several accidents, including injuries and fainting.
Photos and videos of the crowding were circulated on social media, prompting widespread resentment and criticism of the lack of effective organization of such events.
The Algerian Red Meat Company announced the opening of two additional sacrificial points in the capital, to ease the pressure on the point of sale of Bir Touta and bring the service closer to citizens and avoid the recurrence of such incidents.
The prices of state-subsidized sacrificial animals range from 59,000 dinars ($440) to 90,000 dinars ($670), compared to the high prices in private markets of up to $1,000.
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