At least 25 worshippers were killed and more than 100 injured when scaffolding supporting a church under construction collapsed in Ethiopia’s Amhara region on Wednesday, authorities said.
The incident occurred in the morning at Menjar Shenkora Arerti Mariam Church in northern Ethiopia during an annual celebration of St. Mary. Many worshippers had climbed the wooden scaffolding to view a ceiling mural when the support structure gave way.
“We all had gathered in prayers when suddenly the scaffolding collapsed and people started falling from the ceiling,” said witness Mikias Mebratu, who lost three friends in the accident.
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Seyoum Altaye, a clinician at a local hospital, confirmed that victims included children and elderly people. “So far we have confirmed 25 dead and over a hundred injured,” he said, adding that the hospital has sought assistance from the Red Cross to treat the injured.
Teshale Tilahun, the local administrator, warned that the death toll could rise further. “It is a tragic loss for the community,” he said.
Rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities work to provide medical care and support to victims’ families. The cause of the scaffolding collapse is under investigation.