ADDIS ABABA, Dec 30 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Over 60 people were killed Sunday in a traffic accident in south Ethiopia’s Sidama region when a truck carrying passengers plunged into the Galana River while crossing a bridge, said the regional communication office.
The survivors are being treated at hospitals nearby.
Sidama state is in the south of Ethiopia, about 300km south of the capital Addis Ababa.
The Sidama regional health bureau said on Facebook that “a car accident has claimed the lives of 66 people so far”, without giving further details.
The incident occurred at Gelana bridge in Bona Zuria Woreda, according to the bureau.
“Four injured passengers are receiving medical treatment at the Bona general hospital,” it added.
Blurred images shared by the health bureau showed a mass of people surrounding a vehicle, partially submerged in water, with many seemingly attempting to help pull it from the waters.
Other images shared by the bureau appeared to show bodies covered in blue tarpaulin, lying on the ground.
The bureau expressed its condolences to the victims of the crash, and said more information would be made available when it received it.
Despite a low per capita car ownership rate, deadly traffic accidents are relatively common in Ethiopia. Poor road conditions, reckless driving, a flawed licensing system, and lax enforcement of safety regulations are among the main reasons. — NNN-AGENCIES
