At least 71 people have lost their lives in a tragic road accident in southern Ethiopia, according to local authorities. The Sidama Police Commission’s Traffic Prevention and Control Directorate reported the incident in a Facebook post on Sunday evening, stating that 68 men and three women were among the deceased.
Details of the Accident
The accident occurred around 5:30 pm local time (1430 GMT) in Sidama state, approximately 300 kilometers (180 miles) south of Addis Ababa. The vehicle reportedly plunged off the road and into a river in the Eastern Zone, Bona Zuria Woreda.
Chief Inspector Daniel Sankura, speaking on behalf of the Sidama Police Commission, confirmed that two additional passengers sustained severe physical injuries. However, authorities have yet to provide details on the total number of passengers onboard at the time of the crash.
Eyewitness Accounts and Aftermath
Images shared by the local health bureau painted a grim picture of the aftermath. In one image, a crowd of people surrounded the partially submerged vehicle in an apparent rescue effort. Other photos depicted rows of bodies, some covered with blue tarpaulin, lying on the riverbank.
Authorities have not yet disclosed what caused the vehicle to veer off the road, but investigations are underway.
Challenges of Road Safety in Ethiopia
Ethiopia, Africa’s second-most populous nation, frequently witnesses road accidents due to poorly maintained roads and limited enforcement of traffic regulations. The latest tragedy highlights the urgent need for improved road safety measures and infrastructure in the country.
Community and Government Response
Local authorities and emergency services are working to recover the remaining bodies and assist the injured. The incident has drawn widespread attention, with calls for increased safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Efforts to identify the victims and notify their families are ongoing. As the nation mourns this devastating loss, the accident serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for comprehensive reforms in Ethiopia’s transportation sector.
