Catastrophic Tragedy as Wedding Party Truck Plummets Off Bridge in Ethiopia

People view a truck that fell off the Gelan Bridge as it was returning from a wedding ceremony in the country's southern Sidama region, Ethiopia, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024

A devastating accident unfolded in Sidama state, Ethiopia, on December 29, as a truck laden with wedding revelers veered off the Gelan Bridge, plunging into a river below. The calamity claimed at least 71 lives, leaving a nation in mourning. Reports from local authorities, including insights from the Associated Press and BBC News, reveal that among the victims were 68 men and three women.

According to eyewitness Serak Boko, the truck was alive with exuberant celebrations shortly before the crash. Loud music blared from the vehicle as elegantly attired individuals danced and waved, unaware of the impending disaster.

The truck careened off the bridge while navigating a winding roadway, a tragedy believed to have been exacerbated by overloading. Wosenyeleh Simion, a spokesperson for the Sidama regional government, confirmed that at least four survivors are in critical condition and receiving urgent medical care at Bona General Hospital.

Grim visuals from the accident site, disseminated by the Sidama National Regional State Health Bureau, depict the truck overturned and submerged in water. The mangled remains of the vehicle are surrounded by dozens of onlookers, their expressions heavy with grief.

Adding to the heartbreak, Simion noted that several families endured the unimaginable loss of multiple relatives. The incident has drawn attention to the precarious state of road safety in Ethiopia, where traffic fatalities remain alarmingly prevalent.

Authorities have launched a comprehensive inquiry to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the catastrophe. Preliminary assessments point to overloading as a significant factor in the tragic outcome. Local officials and traffic police continue to delve into the circumstances, seeking answers to prevent future tragedies.