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BY Kofi Oppong Kyekyeku, 8:59am October 02, 2025,

25 worshippers die after scaffolding falls at Ethiopian church

by Kofi Oppong Kyekyeku, 8:59am October 02, 2025,
At least 25 worshippers died and over 100 were injured after scaffolding collapsed during a St. Mary feast at a church in Ethiopia’s Amhara region.
Worshippers inside the uncompleted Menjar Shenkora Arerti Mariam Church in Arerti, Amhara region, northern Ethiopia, where scaffolding collapsed. Photo credit: Samuel Getachew via AP

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.

READ ALSO: Ethiopian families mourn youth lost in deadly Gulf of Aden crossing

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.

READ ALSO: Ethiopia: Meet the Tigray woman who shocked her community after reportedly giving birth at 76

Last Edited by:Kofi Oppong Kyekyeku Updated: October 2, 2025

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