At least 31 individuals have lost their lives, with 33 others sustaining injuries following a tragic incident where a bus careened off a cliff into a gorge in Ethiopia, as confirmed by authorities.
The bus was en route from Dessie to Addis Ababa, the nation’s capital, early on Monday when it deviated from the road and plummeted down a cliff in the northern Amhara region, as reported by the state-operated Amhara Media Corporation.
The accident happened on a route leading to Kombolcha, as stated by Commander Getachew Muhiye, referencing a statement from the regional government’s communications bureau. Among the casualties, which included the driver, were 31 fatalities, while 33 individuals suffered various levels of injuries, according to Mr. Muhiye’s account to state media. Initially reported as 28, the death toll was revised.
A significant number of victims are believed to have perished due to delays in receiving emergency aid. The area lacks essential infrastructure and ambulance services, necessitating the transportation of passengers in public vehicles.
The location of the crash, a road winding through mountainous terrain, is notorious for its hazardous conditions. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.
This tragic event follows a previous catastrophe in Ethiopia’s southern Sidama region in December 2024, where 71 individuals lost their lives after a truck plunged into a river. The overloaded vehicle fell from Gelan Bridge while traveling on a route known for its history of severe accidents.
The prolonged rescue operations in the remote area were cited as a contributing factor to the high death toll. Local residents mentioned using only sticks to attempt rescues from the swiftly flowing river.
During the previous incident, a witness, Serak Boko, recounted to The Associated Press that music was blaring from the truck, with individuals in formal attire dancing and waving moments before the tragedy.
In rural Ethiopia, trucks are frequently hired for social gatherings like weddings instead of buses due to their affordability and higher passenger capacity. Most passengers were men, traditionally accompanying the bride from her family residence to the groom’s abode.
“The region consistently witnesses accidents near the river due to poor infrastructure,” stated resident Fasil Atara, highlighting the absence of speed bumps and warning signs on the road.