ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — A tragic accident in southern Ethiopia has led to the death of at least 66 people after an overcrowded truck plunged into a river. The incident occurred on Sunday when the truck, hired for a wedding, fell off the Gelan Bridge, notorious for past traffic accidents. Lemma Lagide, the medical director at Bona General Hospital in Sidama, reported that 64 individuals died at the scene and two others succumbed to their injuries later.

Witness accounts describe a festive atmosphere just moments before the tragedy, with music playing and wedding guests, primarily men, dancing on the truck, preparing to escort the bride. Local villagers attempted to rescue victims from the raging river using sticks, but delays in getting to the scene exacerbated the situation, contributing to the high death toll.

Residents of the area have long complained about the poor construction of the bridge and surrounding roads, which are said to lack essential safety features like speed bumps and warning signs. "The area always has regular accidents around the river as it is poorly constructed," stated local resident Fasil Atara. This incident adds to a troubling record of transportation safety issues in Ethiopia; just a few months prior, 38 people died when a bus rolled over in the Amhara region.

Such accidents highlight the serious challenges faced by rural communities, where hiring trucks for social events is common due to affordability and capacity. You can read more on this devastating incident at AP News and CBS News.