Over 30 Dead, Hundreds Injured as Scaffolding Collapse at Ethiopian Church
A tragic accident at a church in Ethiopia’s Amhara region has left at least 30 people dead and more than 200 others injured after a wooden scaffolding structure collapsed during a major religious festival.
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning at the Menjar Shenkora Arerti Mariam Church in Arerti town, North Shewa Zone, about 70 kilometres east of Addis Ababa.
Worshippers had gathered in large numbers to mark a festival in honour of the Virgin Mary when the makeshift wooden scaffolding gave way. Many had climbed onto the structure to get a better view of the church’s murals and ongoing celebrations.
Authorities confirmed that dozens of people were crushed or fatally injured in the collapse.
Rescue teams worked through the day to evacuate survivors, with reports indicating that some victims were still trapped under debris.
The regional government described the accident as a national tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
Health officials said the injured, ranging from minor to critical cases, were rushed to nearby hospitals. Emergency responders noted that the death toll could rise as several victims remained in serious condition.
Witnesses recounted scenes of chaos as the scaffolding fell apart. “There were so many people on it, and suddenly it just collapsed,” one survivor told local media. “People were screaming, and many were crushed beneath the wood.”
The Menjar Shenkora church was under construction, and safety experts say the scaffolding was not built to withstand the weight of hundreds of people.
Construction safety standards in Ethiopia have long been a concern, with critics pointing to weak regulations and poor enforcement.
International news agencies reported conflicting casualty figures, with some placing the death toll at 25 and others at 36, but all confirmed that hundreds were injured in the disaster. Officials have pledged to carry out an investigation to determine the exact cause and to prevent future tragedies.
The collapse has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a day of devotion and celebration for Ethiopia’s Orthodox Christian community.
Religious leaders have called for calm and urged the faithful to join in prayers for the victims.
