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Deadly Scaffolding Collapse at Ethiopian Church Claims 36 Lives, Injures Over 200
Addis Ababa — A makeshift scaffolding structure at an Ethiopian church tragically collapsed Wednesday, killing at least 36 people and injuring more than 200, according to state media. The devastating incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. local time in Arerti, a town situated approximately 40 miles east of the capital, Addis Ababa, as attendees gathered for an annual Virgin Mary festival.
District police chief Ahmed Gebeyehu confirmed the rising death toll to state media Fana, stating, “The number of dead has reached 36 and could increase more.” He added that over 200 individuals sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.
Local official Atnafu Abate informed the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) that some people remain trapped under the rubble, though he did not provide further details regarding rescue operations or the exact number of those still missing. Abate also noted that some of the more seriously injured have been transported to hospitals in the capital for advanced care.
Images shared on EBC’s official social media showed a chaotic scene of collapsed wooden poles and dense debris, with crowds congregating amidst the wreckage. Other photographs depicted the church’s exterior, highlighting the precariously constructed scaffolding before its collapse.
In the wake of the tragedy, a government statement released by EBC extended condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing the critical importance of prioritizing safety in all construction efforts.
Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous nation, frequently experiences construction accidents, partly due to the near absence of comprehensive health and safety regulations. The country is recognized for its ancient Christian community, with its predecessor, the Axumite Empire, having declared Christianity as the state religion in the fourth century.