In Ethiopia, a traffic accident claimed at least 71 lives

A truck carrying passengers crashed into a river in Ethiopia, killing at least 71 people, according to a statement and the spokesperson for the southern Sidama regional government.

The regional communication bureau said in a statement released late Sunday that the accident happened in the Bona district.

The regional administration of Sidama spokesperson, Wosenyeleh Simion, told Reuters on Monday that at least 71 individuals had perished, comprising 68 men and 3 women.

“Five are in a critical condition and taking treatment at Bona General Hospital,” according to him.

Late on Sunday, the regional communication bureau released a statement stating that 60 people had died.

The route featured many twists, according to Wosenyeleh, and the truck had fallen into a river after missing a bridge.

According to him, the truck was overcrowded, which is probably what caused the accident, and some of the passengers were coming from a wedding ceremony. He also mentioned that some families had lost several family members.

According to the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), which is run by the government, the passengers were on their way to a wedding on Sunday when the disaster happened.

Due to low driving standards and a large number of poorly maintained automobiles, deadly traffic accidents are frequent in Ethiopia.

A bus in Ethiopia’s rugged north crashed into a ravine in 2018, killing at least 38 persons, primarily students.