At least 66 people die after truck plunges into river in southern Ethiopia

According to a hospital director, a truck accident in southern Ethiopia has resulted in at least 66 fatalities after the vehicle plunged into a river. The incident occurred on Sunday when an old and overloaded truck, which had been rented to transport wedding guests, fell off the Gelan bridge. Local villagers reported that there had been previous accidents at the same bridge.

Dr. Lemma Rajid, the medical director of the Bona Comprehensive Hospital in the southern Sidama region, told the Associated Press on Monday that 64 people died at the scene and two others passed away in the hospital. He also mentioned that patients needing more complex intensive care had been transferred to a larger hospital in Hawassa. The delayed rescue efforts in the remote village contributed to the high number of casualties.

Villagers reported that they had attempted to rescue people from the fast-flowing river using sticks. According to villager Serak Boko, who spoke to the Associated Press, the truck had been playing music, and people in suits were dancing and waving before the accident. In rural Ethiopia, people often rent trucks instead of buses for social events like weddings because they are more affordable and can carry more people. Most of the people on the truck were men, as it is customary in the local culture for them to escort the bride from her home to the groom's.

Resident Fasil Atala stated that “accidents frequently occur near rivers in the area due to poor road construction,” referring to the lack of bumps and warning signs on the roads. Ethiopia has experienced similar incidents in the past due to poor infrastructure and overcrowded public transportation. In August of this year, a bus overturned in the Amhara region, resulting in the deaths of 38 people.