At least 30 people were killed and more than 200 injured when a wooden scaffolding platform collapsed in Ethiopia’s Amhara region Wednesday. The accident occurred at the Arerti Mariam Church construction site in the Minjar Shenkora district of North Shewa, local police confirmed.
Chief Inspector Ahmed Gebeyehu said 30 people died instantly, while others suffered injuries ranging from fractures to critical, life-threatening conditions. He warned the death toll could rise further, noting many of the victims remained in precarious states despite urgent medical attention.
Siyoum Altaye, acting director of Arerti Hospital, said the wounded were being treated by both hospital staff and Red Cross responders. Six patients were transferred to larger medical facilities after sustaining injuries beyond the hospital’s treatment capacity, Altaye told local media outlets.
More than 70 victims continued receiving care at Arerti Hospital, while others with moderate injuries were directed to nearby health centres. Authorities said additional medical support had been requested from regional institutions due to the overwhelming scale of the disaster.
The Government Communication Service issued condolences to grieving families and urged stricter enforcement of safety rules on construction sites nationwide. It stressed the protection of workers and communities must remain a top priority, promising future inspections to ensure safety standards are enforced.
The collapse, sudden and devastating, turned a site of worship into a scene of mourning, where unfinished walls now hold silent grief. Rescue workers and medical staff laboured tirelessly, their efforts underscoring both the fragility of human life and the urgency of safety oversight. As the community gathered outside hospitals and churches, sorrow mingled with anger, demanding accountability for a tragedy both preventable and profound.