More than 30 people were killed and over 200 others injured when scaffolding gave way at a church in Ethiopia.
The deadly incident occurred in the morning at Menjar Shenkora Arerti Mariam Church in Amhara, northern Ethiopia, as worshippers gathered for the annual celebration of St. Mary.
Witnesses said many worshippers had climbed onto the wooden scaffolding to view a ceiling mural when it suddenly collapsed.
“We all had gathered in prayers when all of a sudden the scaffolding collapsed and people started falling from the ceiling,” recalled Mikias Mebratu, who lost three of his friends in the tragedy.
Seyoum Altaye, a clinician at a local hospital, confirmed that both children and elderly people were among the victims. “So far, we have confirmed 25 dead and over a hundred injured,” he said, adding that the hospital is requesting urgent support from the Red Cross to treat the wounded.
Local administrator Teshale Tilahun warned that the death toll could rise further, calling the incident “a tragic loss for the community.”
Rescue teams are still working at the site, with some people believed to be trapped under the rubble.
