66 wedding guests dead as truck plunges into river in Ethiopia

In southern Ethiopia, at least 66 individuals lost their lives in a tragic incident when an overcrowded truck, hired for a wedding party, fell into a river. This accident occurred on Sunday and was reported by Lemma Lagide, the medical director at Bona General Hospital. According to the reports, 64 victims died at the scene while an additional two succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. Many of those on board the truck were men, fulfilling cultural obligations to escort the bride to the groom's house. Following the incident, survivors and villagers attempted to rescue those trapped in the river using sticks, though their efforts proved inadequate. Delays in rescue operations significantly contributed to the rise in casualties as responders struggled to reach the remote site promptly. The Gelan Bridge, where this tragic accident occurred, has a history of traffic accidents due to its poorly constructed conditions, lacking necessary safety features such as speed bumps or warning signs. Residents expressed concern over this recurring issue, indicating that such accidents have become a common occurrence in the area. In light of this incident, questions have emerged regarding the reliability of public transportation in Ethiopia, a country already facing issues related to inadequate infrastructure and overcrowding in public vehicles. The truck involved was an old model typically hired by rural communities for social events like weddings, as these vehicles are often more affordable than formal public transport options. On the day of the tragedy, witnesses noted that music was playing and passengers were in a celebratory mood, creating a stark contrast with the suddenness of the accident. Officials indicated that the victims' bodies were taken to hospitals for identification and processing, while those requiring advanced medical care were transferred to larger facilities in the nearby town of Hawassa. This horrific event has reignited discussions about the safety of transportation methods in rural Ethiopia, prompting calls for improved infrastructure and safety measures to prevent future tragedies. As the community mourns the loss of life, this incident serves as a painful reminder of the need for better safety oversight for transport vehicles, particularly those used for large gatherings such as weddings. A comprehensive investigation is expected to follow to understand the precise circumstances leading up to the accident and to inform measures that could enhance safety in the future.