A devastating bus crash in Ethiopia's northern Amhara region has resulted in at least 31 fatalities and 33 injuries, according to police reports. The incident occurred early Monday morning when the bus, traveling from Dessie to the capital Addis Ababa, veered off the road and plunged down a cliff.
Details of the Incident
The crash took place in an area leading to Kombolcha, as confirmed by Commander Getachew Muhiye in a statement from the regional government's communications bureau. Among the deceased was the driver, while the injured suffered a range of serious and minor injuries. The death toll was initially reported as 28 before being revised upward.
Many of the victims are believed to have died due to delays in emergency response efforts. The region lacks basic infrastructure and ambulance services, forcing survivors to be transported in public vehicles. The road, which winds through hilly terrain, is widely regarded as dangerous, and the cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Recent Similar Tragedy
This incident follows a similar tragedy in December 2024, when 71 people were killed in Ethiopia's southern Sidama region after a truck plunged into a river. The overcrowded vehicle fell from Gelan Bridge on a route known for serious accidents. Delays in rescue efforts were again blamed for the high death toll, with villagers using only sticks to attempt rescues from the fast-flowing river.
In rural Ethiopia, trucks are often hired instead of buses for social events like weddings due to lower costs and higher capacity. Residents have called for improved road safety measures, including speed bumps and warning signs, to prevent future tragedies.
