A tragic accident struck Ethiopia on Wednesday morning when makeshift scaffolding collapsed at a crowded church during a major religious festival, leaving at least 36 people dead and more than 200 others injured, according to state media.
The incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. in the town of Arerti, about 70 kilometers (40 miles) east of Addis Ababa, as worshippers gathered to mark an annual Virgin Mary celebration.
District police chief Ahmed Gebeyehu told Fana Broadcasting that the death toll had risen to 36 and warned that the figure could increase further. “More than 200 people have suffered injuries and are receiving treatment at a local hospital,” he said.
Local official Atnafu Abate told the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) that some people remained trapped beneath the wreckage, though he gave no details on the scale of the rescue effort. Several of the critically injured were transferred to hospitals in the capital.
Images released by EBC showed splintered wooden poles and debris piled near the church, with anxious crowds looking on. Other photos revealed the precarious scaffolding that had been erected outside the building before it gave way.
In a statement of condolence, the government emphasized that “safety must be given priority,” underscoring long-standing concerns over poor construction standards in Ethiopia, where health and safety regulations are often neglected.
Despite being one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, Ethiopia frequently suffers deadly construction accidents. The country, home to more than 80 ethnic groups, also boasts one of the world’s oldest Christian traditions, making church festivals some of its most significant annual gatherings.
