A religious celebration in northern Ethiopia turned tragic on Wednesday when scaffolding inside a church under construction collapsed, leaving at least 25 people dead and more than a hundred others wounded.
The collapse, AP’s report indicated, occurred at the Menjar Shenkora Arerti Mariam Church in the Amhara region during festivities marking the annual St. Mary feast. Witnesses said scores of worshippers had climbed onto the wooden framework to view a mural on the ceiling before it suddenly gave way.
“We all had gathered in prayers when all of a sudden the scaffolding collapsed and people starting falling from the ceiling,” recalled Mikias Mebratu, who said he lost three friends in the accident.
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Local medical staff revealed that the victims included children and elderly worshippers. “So far we have confirmed 25 dead and over a hundred injured,” said Seyoum Altaye, a clinician treating the casualties. He added that the hospital had requested Red Cross support to cope with the influx of patients.
Officials fear the toll may climb higher as rescue efforts continue. “It is a tragic loss for the community,” said local administrator Teshale Tilahun.
