Addis Ababa, Dec 30
A total of 71 people were killed when a truck packed with passengers plunged into a river in the Sidama region in Ethiopia, said the regional police commission.
The accident occurred on Sunday when the truck was travelling from Bona to Bensa, resulting in the deaths of 68 men and three women. Those who survived the accident were being treated at nearby hospitals.
Despite a low per capita car ownership rate, deadly traffic accidents are relatively common in Ethiopia due to poor road conditions, reckless driving, a flawed driving license issuance system, and lax enforcement of safety regulations, news agency reported.
On September 26, a total of 28 people were killed and 19 others were injured in a traffic accident in southern Ethiopia, the local media reported.
The deadly accident had occurred when a bus travelling from Wolaita Sodo to Dawro Zone overturned, local media reported, citing officials.
The injured had been receiving intensive medical treatment in nearby healthcare institutions, said the police, who warned that the death toll could increase.