Official announcements from the Ethiopian government or relevant ministries

71 Killed in Southern Ethiopia Road Accident as Overloaded Truck Carrying Wedding Guests Plunges Into River

Dec 30, 2024, 07:18 AM

At least 71 people died in a road accident in southern Ethiopia when a truck packed with passengers plunged into a river. The incident occurred in the Bona district of Sidama state, approximately 300 kilometers south of the capital, Addis Ababa. The truck, which was reportedly overloaded, missed a bridge and fell into the river. Among the deceased were 68 men and 3 women. Five individuals are in critical condition and receiving treatment at Bona General Hospital. Many of the passengers were returning from a wedding ceremony, and some families lost multiple members. The accident highlights the frequent occurrence of deadly road accidents in Ethiopia, often attributed to poor driving standards and poorly maintained vehicles.