Dozens Killed as Lorry Plunges into River During Wedding in Ethiopia

A lorry transporting wedding guests in Ethiopia has tragically overturned into a river, resulting in a significant loss of life.

At least 71 individuals have lost their lives following a horrific accident in southern Ethiopia, where a lorry carrying wedding guests fell into a river in Bona district on Sunday. According to local officials, the vehicle veered off course and missed a bridge before plunging into the water below. Wosenyeleh Simion, a spokesperson for the district, mentioned that many of the victims were attending a wedding celebration.

Traffic authorities have revealed that the lorry was overloaded, which likely contributed to the tragic incident. Among the deceased, 68 were men and 3 were women, as reported by the Sidama Police Commission Traffic Prevention and Control Directorate. Disturbing images from the Sidama state health bureau, shared on social media, depict emergency responders attempting to extract the damaged vehicle from the river, while others show bodies covered in blue tarpaulin lying near the accident site.

Ethiopia has a dire record of road safety, with thousands of fatalities occurring each year due to reckless driving, over-speeding, and non-compliance with traffic regulations. As further investigations unfold, mourners and communities across Ethiopia are coming to terms with this latest tragedy, while officials continue to emphasize the need for improved road safety measures.