ADDIS ABABA (Kaab TV) – A devastating truck accident in Ethiopia’s Sidama region claimed the lives of 71 people, authorities reported on Sunday. Many of the victims were family members traveling to attend a wedding ceremony.
Officials from the Sidama Regional State confirmed that over 50 of the deceased were relatives from the same family.
The tragedy occurred on Sunday, 29 December, around 5:00 PM local time in the Bona Zuria district of the Eastern Sidama zone.
A truck transporting passengers to the wedding ceremony veered off a bridge and plunged into the Gelana River.
Deputy Inspector Shumete Tuncha, head of police in the Bona Zuria district, stated that overloading was the cause of the accident. “The truck was carrying passengers beyond its capacity,” he told the BBC.
Authorities confirmed that 71 people, including the groom, lost their lives in the incident. Recovery operations continued late into the night, with bodies being transported as late as 9:00 PM.
Dr. Lemma Legide, medical director at Bona General Hospital, revealed that 73 victims were brought to the hospital with assistance from the local community.
Medical examinations confirmed that 66 people died in the accident.
“Of the victims, 64 died instantly or before reaching the hospital, while two passed away after being admitted,” Dr. Lemma said. “One victim succumbed during surgery, and the other died in the intensive care unit. Many were retrieved from the river after the truck plunged into it.”
Among the deceased were 61 men, including the groom, and four women.
Deputy Inspector Shumete reported that most victims were young people between the ages of 15 and 30. “The deceased include brothers, sisters, nephews, and neighbors who had joined the family for the wedding,” he said.
“This is not just a tragedy for one family but for the Sidama people and Ethiopia as a whole,” Dr. Lemma remarked. He added that the local community and the bereaved family are deeply mourning the loss.