Mon Dec 30 07:02:40 UTC 2024: ## 71 Dead in Ethiopian Truck Plunge
**Addis Ababa, Ethiopia** – At least 71 people have perished after a passenger truck plunged into a river in Ethiopia’s Sidama state, approximately 300km south of the capital, Addis Ababa. The accident, which occurred Sunday evening around 5:30 pm local time, has been attributed to a combination of factors including an overloaded vehicle and a treacherous bend in the road.
According to the Sidama Regional Communication Bureau, the truck, carrying an unspecified number of passengers, missed a bridge and plummeted into the river. Initial reports indicated a death toll of 60, but this figure was later revised upwards to 71 by regional government spokesperson Wosenyeleh Simion. He confirmed that five individuals remain in critical condition at Bona General Hospital. Many of the passengers were reportedly returning from a wedding ceremony, resulting in multiple family losses.
Graphic images circulated online show the partially submerged vehicle surrounded by a large crowd attempting rescue efforts, as well as bodies covered with tarpaulins. The Sidama Police Commission confirmed the deaths of 68 men and 3 women, citing Chief Inspector Daniel Sankura. Authorities stated the truck was overloaded, a common contributing factor to road accidents in the country.
Wosenyeleh highlighted the poor condition of the roads in the region, characterized by numerous sharp turns, as a contributing factor. This incident underscores the ongoing issue of road safety in Ethiopia, where poorly maintained infrastructure and overloaded vehicles frequently lead to fatal accidents. A similar tragedy in 2018 claimed the lives of 38 students when a bus plunged into a ravine. The Sidama Regional Health Bureau has expressed condolences and promised further updates.
First Piper 