Tragic Accident Claims Lives in Southern Ethiopia
Citizens help to recover the accidented car Photo: Sputnik_Africa
December 30, 2024 Hour: 6:59 pm
At least 71 individuals, including guests from a wedding party, tragically lost their lives in southern Ethiopia after a lorry plunged into a river in Sidama state on Sunday.
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Local officials confirmed the incident, stating that the vehicle missed a bridge and fell into the water. Wosenyeleh Simion, a local official, indicated that the lorry was overloaded, which may have contributed to this devastating accident.
The Sidama Police Commission reported that among the victims were 68 men and 3 women. Disturbing images shared by the state health bureau on social media depict rescue efforts, with people attempting to retrieve the damaged vehicle from the river in Bona district. Other photographs show bodies lying on the ground, some covered with blue tarpaulin.
Ethiopia has one of the highest rates of road fatalities in Africa, with thousands of deaths occurring annually. Over-speeding and violations of traffic laws are frequently cited as major contributors to such tragic incidents. Investigations into this specific accident are currently ongoing.
This heartbreaking event highlights the urgent need for improved road safety measures across Ethiopia to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety of all road users.
Autor: OSG
Fuente: EFE-Africanews
