At least 71 people lost their lives in Ethiopia on Sunday when an overcrowded truck carrying passengers plunged into a river in the Bona district of the Sidama region. The accident was confirmed by Wosenyeleh Simion, spokesperson for the Sidama regional government, and detailed in an official statement from the regional communication bureau.
Details of the Accident
The truck, which reportedly missed a bridge and fell into the river, was traveling on a winding road notorious for its sharp bends. According to Wosenyeleh, the victims included 68 males and 3 females, with some passengers returning from a wedding ceremony. Several families have been devastated, losing multiple members in the tragedy.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the truck was overloaded, a factor that likely contributed to the accident, as noted by the region’s traffic police. The state-run Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) also reported that the passengers were en route to a wedding when the incident occurred.
Historical Context and Road Safety Concerns
Deadly traffic accidents are tragically common in Ethiopia, often attributed to poor driving standards and inadequately maintained vehicles. This latest incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in ensuring road safety.
In a similar tragedy in 2018, at least 38 people, mostly students, lost their lives when a bus plunged into a ravine in Ethiopia’s mountainous northern region. These recurring accidents underscore the urgent need for improved transportation infrastructure and stricter enforcement of safety regulations.
Call for Action
The loss of 71 lives has plunged the Sidama region into mourning and highlights the critical importance of addressing road safety issues in Ethiopia. Authorities are expected to investigate the accident thoroughly and implement measures to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
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