At least 15 women were killed and another 10 people injured during a crush as food aid was distributed in a Moroccan village.

Officials said the accident happened in Sidi Boulaalam, 35 miles from Essaouira, a popular coastal tourist town.

According to local media, a "benefactor" had started a distribution at a stall, which became "rapidly submerged" by a crowd of 800 people, mostly women.

An investigation has been set up to determine what happened and establish responsibility, authorities have said.

The interior ministry said King Mohammed VI issued orders to "provide the necessary help and support to the families of the victims and the injured".


He also decided to "personally cover the costs of victims' funerals and burials, and the care of the injured," it said.

Image: King Mohammed VI said he will pay for the funerals

A witness, a doctor who remained anonymous, said it happened at an annual charitable distribution of flour.

He said: "This year there were lots of people, several hundred people. People shoved, they broke down the barriers.

"The local authorities on the spot were overwhelmed. Even when there were people on the ground, people kept fighting for food."

According to the doctor, 10 were treated in hospital in Marrakesh, with two of those in a critical condition.

Teacher Manar Khouda said previous distributions also triggered stampedes, and there were only four police officers on hand this year.