Three Killed in Rush for IKEA Vouchers in Saudi

Sep 1, 11:13 am ET

JEDDAH (Reuters) - Three men were trampled to death in a rush to claim vouchers at the first IKEA furniture showroom in Saudi Arabia Wednesday, hospital officials said.

Sixteen shoppers were injured at the Sweden-based furniture store opening in Jeddah. Medics revived some 20 customers who had fainted in the crush. IKEA said two were killed.

The rush was triggered by an offer for the first 50 shoppers to receive $150 in vouchers. An IKEA statement said more than 20,000 people showed up.

Hospital officials said two of the dead were a Pakistani and a Saudi national.

The IKEA statement said the company had worked closely with Saudi security officials to plan the opening.

IKEA is known for simple, reasonably priced products.