At least 30 people have been killed and more than 200 injured after scaffolding collapsed inside a church in Ethiopia’s Amhara region.
The incident occurred on Friday morning at Menjar Shenkora Arerti Mariam Church, where thousands of worshippers had gathered for the annual celebration of St. Mary. According to witnesses, many people had climbed the wooden scaffolding to view a ceiling mural when it suddenly gave way.
“We all had gathered in prayers when all of a sudden the scaffolding collapsed and people started falling from the ceiling,” said Mikias Mebratu, a witness who lost three friends in the tragedy.
Local hospital clinician Seyoum Altaye confirmed that the dead included children and the elderly. “So far we have confirmed 25 dead and over a hundred injured,” he said, adding that the hospital has requested assistance from the Red Cross.
Teshale Tilahun, a local administrator, warned that the death toll could rise further, describing the collapse as “a tragic loss for the community.” Rescue operations are ongoing, with some victims still believed to be trapped under the debris. Several of the injured have been transferred to Addis Ababa for advanced treatment.
In a statement released through state media, the Ethiopian government expressed its condolences and emphasized that “safety must be given priority” in construction practices.
Source.Africa Publicity
