At least 25 dead as church collapse in Ethiopia during St. Mary celebration
- The church collapse occurred during a religious gathering for St. Mary in Ethiopia's Amhara region.
- Local hospital reports at least 25 confirmed deaths and over a hundred injuries.
- The incident raises questions about public safety in construction practices during large events.
In Ethiopia's Amhara region, a tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, when a church under construction collapsed while worshippers gathered for an annual event celebrating St. Mary. Local authorities confirmed that at least 25 individuals lost their lives due to the collapse, with some victims being children and elderly people. The incident took place at Menjar Shenkora Arerti Mariam Church, highlighting the potential dangers associated with construction sites, especially during significant events such as religious gatherings. Seyoum Altaye, a clinician from a local hospital, noted that more than a hundred people sustained injuries during the incident, necessitating support from humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross. Teshale Tilahun, the local administrator, expressed concern over the rising death toll, indicating that it might increase as rescue operations and assessments continue. The collapse comes as a heartbreaking loss for the local community, with many people mourning the tragic event that unfolded while they were celebrating an important religious occasion. Efforts are underway to provide immediate medical care and assistance to the injured, while local authorities are investigating the reasons behind the structural failure of the church under construction, which may become crucial in preventing such incidents in the future.