Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
AP
–
Scaffolding supporting churches under construction in Ethiopia’s Amhara region collapsed on Wednesday, killing at least 25 people and injuring others, authorities said.
The accident occurred in the morning at Menger Shenkola Arati Mariam Church in Amhara, northern Ethiopia.
Witnesses said that when the support structure collapsed, many worshippers were able to climb wooden scaffolding to see the ceiling mural.
“We were all gathered to pray when the scaffolding suddenly collapsed and people began to fall from the ceiling,” said Mikias Meblaz, an eyewitness who lost three of his friends, on the scene.
Seyoum Altaye, a clinician at a local hospital, said the victims included children and elderly people. “So far, we’ve seen 25 deaths and over 100 injuries,” he said.
He said the hospital is seeking the Red Cross help to care for the injured.
Local manager Teshale Tilahun warned that deaths could rise. “It’s a tragic loss for the community,” he said.
