At least 30 people have died and more than 200 were injured after scaffolding collapsed at a church in northern Ethiopia.
The tragedy occurred at Menjar Shenkora Arerti Mariam Church in Amhara, as worshippers gathered for an annual celebration of St. Mary. Witnesses say many had climbed the wooden scaffolding to view a ceiling mural when the structure gave way.
“We all had gathered in prayers when all of a sudden the scaffolding collapsed and people started falling from the ceiling,” said Mikias Mebratu, who lost three friends in the accident.
Clinician Seyoum Altaye reported that the victims include children and the elderly. “So far we have confirmed 25 dead and over a hundred injured,” he said, adding that the hospital is seeking support from the Red Cross to treat the injured.
Local administrator Teshale Tilahun warned the death toll could rise. “It is a tragic loss for the community,” he said. Rescue teams continue to search for people trapped under the rubble, and some of the injured have been transferred to Addis Ababa for further treatment.
In a statement, the government expressed “deep condolences for the damage caused by the collapse” and emphasized that safety must be prioritized in construction projects.
