A devastating traffic accident claimed the lives of seven people on Thursday evening in Bedessa Town, located within the Wolaita Zone of the South Ethiopia Regional State. The incident occurred around 7:00 PM local time when a heavy freight truck, traveling from Sodo to Hawassa, reportedly lost control. According to local authorities, the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed before veering off its path, striking several smaller vehicles and eventually crashing into residential buildings.
The collision resulted in immediate fatalities, including both the driver of the freight truck and a Bajaj driver. In addition to the seven confirmed deaths, six other individuals sustained injuries, with four reported to be in serious condition and two suffering minor injuries. The runaway truck caused extensive property damage, completely demolishing three residential houses and destroying a motorcycle and a Bajaj that were in its trajectory.
Emergency responders faced significant challenges during the rescue operation due to the truck being deeply embedded within the ruins of the residential structures. The Wolaita Zone Police Department noted that their primary focus remained on life-saving efforts and clearing the wreckage, which led to a slight delay in the official briefing. The injured were quickly transported to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment, while the deceased were taken for identification and post-mortem examinations.
The South Ethiopia Police are currently conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash and to assess the total monetary value of the property destroyed. Preliminary reports suggest excessive speed as a primary factor; however, mechanical failure has not yet been ruled out. Officials have issued a stern warning to motorists, reminding them to exercise extreme caution and adhere to speed limits, particularly when navigating through urban areas prone to frequent accidents.