Over Thirty-Five Killed in Ethiopia Church Scaffolding Collapse

2025-10-02 02:45:25

(MENAFN) At least 36 people have been confirmed dead after a wooden scaffolding structure collapsed in Ethiopia's Amhara Region, local authorities reported Wednesday.

The fatal incident occurred at approximately 7:45 a.m. local time during an annual religious event in the town of Arerti, located in the North Shewa Zone. According to a broadcasting agency, district police chief Ahmed Gebeyehu stated that the temporary scaffolding—erected to support finishing work on a church—collapsed under pressure, leading to the mass casualty event.

Officials warned the death toll may increase since over 200 individuals suffered a range of serious to minor injuries. The wounded are receiving medical care at local health facilities.

Emergency crews are continuing rescue efforts amid the wreckage, as many worshippers were caught beneath the fallen structure. The collapse has significantly hampered response operations, authorities noted.

Search and recovery operations remain ongoing.

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