Road Accident in Southern Ethiopia Claims 71 Lives

A devastating road accident in southern Ethiopia has claimed the lives of at least 71 individuals, including 68 males and three females, according to a local police official.

The Sidama Police Commission’s Traffic Prevention and Control Directorate shared the update on Facebook late Sunday, confirming the tragic death toll. Chief Inspector Daniel Sankura reported that the accident occurred around 5:30 PM local time (1430 GMT) when a vehicle veered off the road and plunged into a river in Sidama state, located approximately 300 kilometers (180 miles) south of Addis Ababa.

Details of the Accident

The police indicated that two individuals sustained severe injuries, but the exact number of passengers onboard the vehicle at the time of the crash remains unclear. Blurred images from the scene showed bystanders attempting to recover the partially submerged vehicle from the river, while other photographs depicted bodies covered with tarpaulins lying on the ground.

The accident took place in Bona Zuria Woreda, part of the Eastern Zone of Sidama state. Authorities have not yet provided details on the circumstances leading to the accident or the condition of the road.

Road Safety Concerns in Ethiopia

Road accidents are a recurring issue in Ethiopia, Africa’s second-most populous nation. Poorly maintained roads and vehicles, coupled with limited enforcement of traffic laws, contribute to frequent and often fatal incidents.

Community Response

The tragedy has sparked widespread mourning in the region. Local authorities and first responders are working to assist the injured and recover the remains of the deceased. Efforts to investigate the cause of the accident are underway.

This incident underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures and infrastructure in Ethiopia to prevent similar tragedies in the future.