At least 66 people died in a road accident in southern Ethiopia, local authorities reported on Sunday.
The Sidama state health department said that “66 people have died in road accidents so far,” without providing further details. It was added that four people were taken to the hospital in Bona, and doctors were looking for people who were carried away by the river.
Crowds at the sceneSidama Region Northern Sidama Zone Adminstration Office
Blurred photos released by the health department show multiple people surrounding the vehicle, partially submerged in water. Other photos show bodies lying on the ground, covered with blue tarps.
The truck fell into the riverSidama Region Northern Sidama Zone Adminstration Office
The victims are the wedding participants
According to Eshèté Bekele, an Ethiopian journalist working for Deutsche Welle, the incident occurred when a truck carrying wedding participants fell into the Galana River after falling from a bridge.
Desta Ledamo, president of Sidama state, is moved by the tragedy. “I am deeply saddened that over 65 people lost their lives in a terrible road accident,” he wrote.
Main photo source: Sidama Region Northern Sidama Zone Adminstration Office