Dozens die in Ethiopia after lorry with wedding guests falls into river
3 min read
At least 71 people have tragically lost their lives in southern Ethiopia after a lorry carrying wedding guests plunged into a river. The devastating incident occurred on Sunday in Sidama state, when the vehicle fell into the river after missing a bridge, according to local officials.
Wosenyeleh Simion, a regional official, confirmed that many of the victims were wedding guests, adding a heartbreaking dimension to the tragedy. The lorry, which was traveling through the area, is believed to have been overloaded, a factor that authorities suggest may have contributed to the crash. The incident has sparked an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.
The victims included 68 men and 3 women, as confirmed by the Sidama Police Commission’s Traffic Prevention and Control Directorate. These figures paint a grim picture of the scale of the disaster, with most of the passengers on board the vehicle reportedly being men.
The local health bureau released blurred images on social media showing people attempting to recover the wrecked vehicle from the water. These disturbing photos show the full extent of the damage, with one image showing a group of people trying to remove the lorry from the river, while others depicted bodies lying on the ground, some covered with blue tarpaulins. The tragic scene has left the community in mourning as they grapple with the loss of so many lives.
The accident highlights the ongoing dangers of road travel in Ethiopia, where traffic accidents claim thousands of lives each year. The country struggles with issues such as speeding and a widespread disregard for traffic laws, which contribute to the high number of fatalities. Overloading vehicles, a common issue in many countries, has also been identified as a significant factor in this tragic incident.
This lorry crash is not an isolated case. In Ethiopia, road safety is a serious concern, and the government has been working to address these issues, but accidents continue to occur at an alarming rate. The country’s infrastructure challenges, combined with poor enforcement of traffic regulations, create a dangerous environment for those traveling by road. Over the years, accidents involving overloaded vehicles, particularly during special events like weddings or other celebrations, have been responsible for many of the fatalities.
In this particular case, the lorry, which had been carrying guests to a wedding, was reportedly overloaded. The combination of the excessive weight and the failure to navigate the road safely appears to have led to the tragic event. Further investigations are underway, with local authorities working to uncover the precise cause of the crash.
While the authorities are focusing on the investigation, the accident has already highlighted a pressing need for better road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic laws in Ethiopia. Public outcry following the incident may prompt the government to take more decisive actions to improve road safety, prevent overloading, and enhance traffic law enforcement.
Ethiopia, like many countries in Africa, faces a major challenge in ensuring safe transportation for its citizens. The country’s roads are often poorly maintained, and many vehicles, particularly commercial lorries, are in substandard condition. In addition, public awareness of road safety rules and regulations remains low in some regions. This combination of factors makes road travel particularly hazardous.
The loss of so many lives in this incident is a stark reminder of the need for greater attention to road safety in Ethiopia. Families who were once celebrating a joyous occasion are now mourning the deaths of their loved ones, and the community is left grappling with the emotional and physical toll of the tragedy. The government’s response to the incident, including the ongoing investigation and any potential policy changes, will likely play a key role in shaping future efforts to improve road safety in the country.
In the meantime, the local community in Sidama state is coming to terms with the immense tragedy. The loss of so many lives in a single accident has left the region in shock, and efforts are underway to support the families of the victims during this incredibly difficult time. As the investigation continues, Ethiopians are left to reflect on the urgent need for reforms in the country’s road safety practices to prevent such tragedies in the future.
About The Author
