At least 30 people have died and more than 200 others have been injured after scaffolding collapsed at a church in central Ethiopia, officials say.
The incident occurred early on Thursday at the Arerti Mariam church in Minjar Sheknora, approximately 70km (45 miles) from the capital, Addis Ababa, during an annual Orthodox Christian celebration of St. Mary.
Thousands of worshippers had gathered at the site when the structure gave way.
Local police inspector Ahmed Gebeyehu told BBC Amharic that the death toll could rise further, with victims ranging in age from 25 to 80.
Rescue operations are continuing, with local authorities reporting that some people remain trapped under the rubble.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic and confusion as the scaffolding fell. “A large section of the church collapsed – the sound of the wooden structure giving way was loud and terrifying,” one attendee said.
Severely injured victims have been transferred to hospitals in Addis Ababa for treatment.
In a statement broadcast on state media, the Ethiopian government expressed “deep condolences for the damage caused by the collapse of the scaffolding” and said safety must be prioritised in construction projects.
Construction accidents are frequent in Ethiopia, where health and safety regulations are often poorly enforced.
