Over 70 Killed as Truck Carrying Wedding Guests Plunges into Ethiopian River

An overcrowded truck missed a bridge and fell into a river in Sidama state, highlighting road safety and infrastructure issues in rural Ethiopia.

The accident occurred on Sunday in the Bona district of Sidama state, about 300 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, when the truck veered off the Gelan Bridge.
At least 71 people, including 68 men and 3 women, died, with many victims being wedding guests traveling to a reception.
Authorities cited overloading and poor road conditions as likely causes of the crash, while locals noted the area is prone to traffic accidents due to inadequate infrastructure.
Rescue efforts were delayed due to the remote location, with villagers using sticks and ropes to try to save victims from the river.
Five survivors, some critically injured, were hospitalized, and officials warn the death toll could rise given the severity of injuries and challenges in accessing care.