Officials said the scaffolding, supporting a church under construction in the Amhara area of Ethiopia, fell on Wednesday, killing at least 25 people and injuring others’ scores.
The accident occurred in the morning at Meenjar Shenkora Arete Maryam Church in Amhara, Northern Ethiopia, as worshipers gathered for an annual program celebrating St. Mary.
According to the witnesses, many worshipers climbed the wooden scaffold to see the wall of a roof.
“We all gathered in prayers when the scaffold suddenly collapsed and people started falling from the roof,” witness Mikias Mebretu, who had lost three of his friends, said at the scene.
Seum Altay, a doctor with a local hospital, said the victims include children and elderly people. “We have so far confirmed 25 dead and more than a hundred injured,” he said.
He said that the hospital is seeking help Red cross To take care of the injured.
Local administrator, Tshle Tilahun warned that the toll of death could be potentially increased. “This is a tragic disadvantage to the community,” he said.