Makeshift Scaffolding at Ethiopian Church Kills At Least 22 Pilgrims, Injures 55 During Virgin Mary Festival

A devastating structural failure has cast a pall over a religious festival in Ethiopia, after makeshift scaffolding at a church collapsed, killing at least 22 people and leaving dozens wounded.

The tragedy occurred on Wednesday morning, around 7:45 a.m. local time, at a church in the town of Arerti, located about 70 kilometers (43 miles) east of the capital, Addis Ababa. The area was crowded with worshippers who were attending an annual Virgin Mary festival.

Local official Atnafu Abate, speaking to the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), initially placed the casualty figures at 22 fatalities and 55 injuries, noting that “many pilgrims were killed or sustained physical injuries.” However, later reports citing district police chief Ahmed Gebeyehu indicated a higher toll, with at least 36 dead and over 200 injured, warning that the number could still rise as rescue efforts continue.

The structure that gave way was makeshift wooden scaffolding erected at the church, which was reportedly undergoing finishing work. Images shared on social media showed a chaotic scene of collapsed wooden poles and debris, with large crowds gathered amid the wreckage. Local officials indicated that some individuals are still trapped under the rubble.

Some of the most seriously hurt victims have been transported to hospitals in the capital, Addis Ababa.

The incident highlights a pervasive issue in Ethiopia, where a lack of stringent health and safety regulations often contributes to construction accidents. The victims were worshippers, with reports indicating a mix of children and elderly people among those affected by the sudden collapse during the holy gathering. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the failure.