By Isaac Tayebwa,
SIDAMA
At least 71 people died in a fatal accident in Bona district, Ethiopia after a truck they were traveling in plunged into a river on Sunday.
The deceased included 68 males and 3 female passengers who were reportedly traveling to a wedding ceremony.
Wosenyeleh Simion, spokesperson for the Sidama regional government, Southern Ethiopia where the accident occurred said the road has many bends which forced the car to miss the bridge, plunging into the river.
“Five are in a critical condition and taking treatment at Bona General Hospital,” he said.
It is further alleged that the truck was excessively loaded with passengers, which likely caused the accident. Some families according to the national broadcaster, Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) lost multiple members.
Ethiopia is among the African countries with poor traffic and driving standards, and vehicles are badly maintained. This is largely attributed to the rugging terrain nature of the country.
In 2018, about 38 people, mostly students were killed when a bus plunged into a ravine in Ethiopia’s mountainous north.
