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At least 66 people have died when a truck fell into a river in southern Ethiopiathe hospital director said Monday.
The accident took place on Sunday, when an old, overcrowded truck carrying wedding guests fell off the Gelan Bridge, where villagers said. traffic accidents They have happened before.
IN ETHIOPIA, AT LEAST 183 DEAD IN 2 MONTHS DUE TO CONFLICT IN AMHARA REGION, UN SAYS
The medical director of Bona General Hospital in the southern region of Sidama, Lemma Lagide, told The Associated Press on Monday that 64 people died at the scene and two others at the hospital.
He said patients who needed more sophisticated critical care were transferred to a larger hospital in Hawassa.
The high death toll was blamed on delays in rescue efforts in the remote village. Villagers said they tried to save people from the raging river with only sticks.
This undated photograph shows the Ethiopian flag. (Bildagentur-online/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
One villager, Serak Boko, told the AP that moments before the accident, music was blaring from the truck and people dressed in suits were dancing and waving.
It is common for people in rural Ethiopia to rent trucks instead of buses to transport them to social venues. events like weddings because they are more affordable and transport many people. Most of those in the truck were men because culturally they are required to accompany the bride from her house to the groom’s house.
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“The area always has frequent accidents around the river because it is poorly built,” said resident Fasil Atara, referring to the road lacking potholes and warnings.
With desolate infrastructure and overcrowded public transportation, Ethiopia has had similar accidents in the past. In August, 38 people died after a bus overturned in the Amhara region.
