71 Dead as Truck Plunges into River in Southern Ethiopia
At least 71 people have been confirmed dead in Ethiopia after a truck carrying passengers plunged into a river in the southern Sidama region. The tragic accident occurred in the Bona district, where the truck missed a bridge and fell into the river, according to Wosenyeleh Simion, a spokesperson for the Sidama regional government. Among the deceased, 68 were men and three were women. Additionally, five survivors remain in critical condition and are receiving treatment at Bona General Hospital.
The victims were reportedly on their way to a wedding ceremony, and some families lost multiple members in the disaster. The truck was overloaded, which authorities believe may have contributed to the accident, as the road in the area is known for its many sharp bends. The regional communication bureau initially reported a death toll of 60, but this figure was later revised upwards to 71 following further updates.
The incident adds to a grim history of fatal traffic accidents in Ethiopia, where poor driving standards and the widespread use of poorly maintained vehicles contribute to the high rate of crashes. This tragedy occurred just months after another devastating landslide in southern Ethiopia, which claimed the lives of at least 229 people and left many others missing. These ongoing disasters highlight the urgent need for better infrastructure and safety measures in the country.
Ethiopia, with a population of approximately 120 million, has faced numerous deadly accidents in recent years. In 2018, a bus carrying mostly students plunged into a ravine in the country’s mountainous north, killing at least 38 people. Despite these frequent incidents, efforts to improve road safety and vehicle maintenance have struggled to make a significant impact on reducing traffic-related fatalities.
