More than 70 people lost their lives in a serious car accident. A road accident in southern Ethiopia’s Sidama state has killed 71 people, local authorities have confirmed. 

A truck, reportedly carrying several people, fell into a ravine leading to the Gelana River in the Sidama region, 300 kilometers south of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, according to the regional police commissioner, Daniel Sankura. The official added that five people who were injured in the accident were being treated at Bona General Hospital.

Footage taken at the scene of the accident showed many people standing around the vehicle, which was largely submerged in water. There were also images showing the bodies of those killed in the accident lying on the ground, covered in blue tarpaulins. 

Wosenyeleh Simion, a spokesperson for the Sidama regional government, also confirmed to Al Jazeera that survivors of the accident are still receiving treatment, although they are in critical condition. He said, “Five people are seriously ill and are still being treated by doctors at Bona General Hospital.” 

Wosenyeleh said the accident occurred on Sunday, December 29, 2024, after the vehicle, which was traveling on a bumpy road, fell off a bridge and into the river. He added that most of the passengers in the car were those returning from a wedding, which resulted in some families losing many of their loved ones who had attended the wedding. 

Local police said the vehicle was overloaded, exceeding its capacity, which is believed to have been the cause of the accident. Authorities have not released the exact number of people on board the vehicle at the time of the accident.

However, road accidents are common in Ethiopia, which is the second most populous country in Africa but has poorly maintained roads.It was very sad and very exciting to see how it happens, but let’s say to families who lose their members to stay strong.