At least 71 killed in devastating bus crash after overloaded vehicle packed with WEDDING guests plunges into river
AT LEAST 71 people have been killed in a horrific crash as they made their way back from a wedding.
The bus carrying guests plunged into a river while travelling down a winding road in Sidama, Ethiopia.
Local traffic police said the vehicle was overcrowded when it veered off the road.
The tragic incident took place over the Gelan bridge in Bona Zuria Woreda on Sunday.
Wosenyeleh Simion, spokesperson for the local Sidama government, told Reuters that 68 men and three women were killed.
Five passengers were left in critical condition in hospital.
The crammed truck struggled to stay on track as it drove down a road with lots of bends, according to reports.
Passengers were trapped onboard as it plunged into the river.
Shocking images showed bystanders desperately trying to help those involved in the crash by wading into the river.
Some strung out ropes in an apparent attempt to haul the wreck from the water.
But the huge bus appeared firmly struck in the water and flipped on its head.
Mr Simion said: “Five are in a critical condition and taking treatment at Bona General Hospital.”
He explained how the truck missed a bridge and fell into the river.
And he confirmed that some of the passengers had been returning from a wedding ceremony.
Some families lost multiple members in the crash, he said.
Sidama is located in southern Ethiopia, about 300 kilometres below capital Addis Ababa.
Deadly traffic accidents in the country are common, with poor driving conditions and badly maintained vehicle standards.
Almost 40 people – mostly students – were killed in 2018 when another bus plunged into a river in the north of the country.