At least 36 people have died and more than 200 others were injured after a makeshift scaffolding collapsed during a church gathering in Ethiopia, state media reported.
The tragedy struck at around 7:45 am on Wednesday in Arerti, a town about 70 kilometers east of Addis Ababa, where worshippers had gathered for an annual Virgin Mary festival. The structure gave way as crowds filled the church compound, leaving dozens crushed and many others trapped in the debris.
How Many People Were Injured in the Collapse?
District police chief Ahmed Gebeyehu confirmed the rising toll, telling Fana state media: “The number of dead has reached 36 and could increase more,” adding that “more than 200 people have suffered injuries” and were receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Local official Atnafu Abate told the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) that some people remained under the rubble, though he did not provide details about ongoing rescue operations. Those with severe injuries were transferred to hospitals in Addis Ababa for further care.
Photos posted by EBC showed collapsed wooden poles strewn across the church grounds, with crowds of shocked residents gathered around the wreckage. Other images revealed scaffolding built in what appeared to be an unstable manner, raising questions about safety oversight.
What Has the Government Said?
A statement shared by EBC expressed condolences to the victims’ families and stressed that “safety must be given priority.” The incident highlights the lack of strong health and safety regulations in Ethiopia, where construction accidents are common.
Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous country, is home to one of the world’s oldest Christian communities. Christianity was declared the state religion in the fourth century by the Axumite Empire, making church festivals like the one in Arerti deeply significant to millions of Ethiopians.
The death toll could rise as rescue operations continue, with officials warning that more victims may still be under the debris.
By Lucky Anyanje
