A tragic incident struck central Ethiopia as scaffolding collapsed at a church in Minjarna Shenkora, claiming at least 30 lives and injuring more than 200 people. The deadly Ethiopian church collapse occurred during a large religious gathering held to honor the annual Orthodox celebration of Saint Mary.
Thousands of worshippers had gathered early in the morning at Arerti Mariam Church, located about 70 kilometers northeast of Addis Ababa. The wooden structure supporting part of the church gave way unexpectedly, triggering widespread panic and a chaotic scene.
Rescue teams are actively working at the site to reach people still trapped beneath the debris. Authorities warn the death toll may rise.
What Caused the Church Collapse?
Preliminary reports indicate that a large wooden scaffolding structure failed during peak attendance. Witnesses described hearing a loud cracking noise followed by mass panic as people ran for safety.
The structure had been built to accommodate overflow crowds for the festival. However, its collapse highlights ongoing safety concerns around public infrastructure in Ethiopia.
According to local officials, many of the deceased were between 25 and 80 years old. Here is the link to our article on the Kentucky Church Shooting.
Were Emergency Services Prepared?
First responders arrived quickly, but the scale of the disaster overwhelmed initial efforts. Medical teams transported the most critically injured victims to hospitals in Addis Ababa for advanced care.
Rescue operations are still ongoing. Local authorities have mobilized additional crews, and heavy equipment is being used to clear debris and search for survivors.
Officials confirmed that over 200 individuals received injuries ranging from fractures to head trauma.
How Is the Government Responding?
In an official statement, the Ethiopian government expressed its condolences to the victims’ families and emphasized the need for strict adherence to construction safety.
The Ethiopian church collapse has reignited calls for stronger oversight of building practices, particularly in religious and public spaces that host mass gatherings.
Construction-related accidents are frequent in Ethiopia, often attributed to poor safety enforcement and inadequate materials. Here is the link to our article on Catholic Church Leadership.
Is Public Safety Being Addressed?
Government leaders have pledged to investigate the cause of the collapse thoroughly. Authorities are also urging event organizers and religious institutions to conduct safety audits before holding large-scale ceremonies.
Despite repeated warnings in recent years, many public construction projects in rural areas still lack basic engineering checks.
This latest disaster could push for national policy reforms on safety standards and compliance enforcement.
Final Thoughts
The Ethiopian church collapse serves as a grim reminder of the human cost of neglected safety protocols. As the country mourns the loss of dozens of lives, urgent steps must be taken to ensure that future celebrations, especially ones involving large crowds, do not end in tragedy. Stronger regulations, better oversight, and public awareness are now more critical than ever.
