Sidama Region, Ethiopia – A devastating road accident in Ethiopia’s southern Sidama region has claimed the lives of at least 71 people, according to officials. The tragedy occurred in the Bona district on Sunday when an overloaded truck, carrying passengers, veered off a bridge and plunged into a river.
Wosenyeleh Simion, spokesperson for the Sidama regional government, confirmed the death toll on Monday, stating that 68 men and three women were among the victims. Five others remain in critical condition and are receiving treatment at Bona General Hospital.
“The truck missed a bridge and fell into a river,” Simion explained, adding that the road’s sharp bends and the truck’s overloading likely contributed to the fatal crash.
The state-run Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation reported that many passengers were traveling to a wedding, while others were returning from a similar celebration. Some families tragically lost multiple members in the accident.
Initially, the Sidama regional communication bureau had reported 60 deaths in a statement released Sunday evening. The updated toll reflects the growing scale of the tragedy as recovery efforts continue.
Recurring Transportation Challenges
This accident underscores Ethiopia’s ongoing road safety issues. Deadly traffic accidents are frequent across the country, often attributed to poor driving standards, inadequate vehicle maintenance, and overloaded transport.
In 2018, a bus accident in Ethiopia’s northern highlands resulted in 38 fatalities, mostly students, after the vehicle plunged into a ravine.
Broader Context of Tragedies
This latest incident follows another disaster in the region earlier this year. A landslide in southern Ethiopia’s Gofa area caused massive devastation, leaving at least 257 people dead as of July 2024. Officials warn that the death toll from such natural disasters could rise further as search efforts continue.
Ethiopia, the second-most populous country in Africa with over 120 million residents, faces mounting challenges in managing its transportation and infrastructure safety.
As the Sidama region mourns the victims of this accident, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety measures in the country.