Wedding Party Vehicle Plunges into River
A devastating accident in southern Ethiopia has led to the death of at least 71 people after a truck carrying a wedding party veered off the road and into a river. The incident occurred around 5:30 pm local time on Sunday in Sidama state, approximately 300 kilometers south of Addis Ababa.
Details of the Crash
According to the Sidama Police Commission Traffic Prevention and Control Directorate, the tally of deceased includes 68 men and 3 women. Wossenyeleh Simon, an official from the regional communications department, described the scene, stating, “The accident was especially horrific as the river had a lot of big stones so most passengers, including the driver, were killed due to the impact.” The truck, which was transporting 76 individuals, including wedding attendees and day-laborers, lost control while navigating a sharp bend before a bridge.
Overloading and Rescue Efforts
Simon suggested that the vehicle might have been overloaded due to the scarcity of passenger vehicles that day. Visuals from the health bureau depicted a chaotic scene with numerous people around the half-submerged truck, attempting to rescue it with ropes. Other images captured the grim aftermath, showing bodies on the ground, some covered with blue tarpaulin.
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Medical Response and Survivors
Immediate response from a nearby hospital involved retrieving bodies and conducting search and rescue. Of the five survivors, two were critically injured and are under treatment at Hawassa Referral Hospital, while three have been discharged but are dealing with mental stress and psychological shock.
Ethiopia’s Road Safety Crisis
This accident underscores the severe road safety issues in Ethiopia, where poor road maintenance and inadequate vehicle conditions contribute to frequent accidents. Earlier incidents in the region, like a bus crash in Wolaita and an army truck collision in the north, highlight the ongoing problem. Africa, despite having fewer cars, sees a disproportionately high number of road fatalities due to substandard infrastructure, limited rescue services, and aging vehicles. A World Health Organization report notes that Africa is the only region where road deaths have increased significantly over the last decade.
