Tragedy Strikes Ethiopian Church Festival: Scaffolding Collapse Claims Lives
On October 1, 2025, a devastating incident unfolded in the town of Arerti, located in Ethiopia‘s Amhara region, approximately 70 kilometers east of the capital, Addis Ababa. A makeshift scaffolding at the Menjar Shenkora Arerti Mariam Church collapsed during the annual Virgin Mary festival, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 36 individuals and injuring many more.
A Day of Celebration Turns to Mourning
The Virgin Mary festival is a significant event in the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian calendar, drawing thousands of pilgrims to various churches across the country. This year, the festivities at Menjar Shenkora Arerti Mariam Church were marred by the sudden collapse of scaffolding, which had been erected to accommodate the large number of worshippers. Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of chaos as the structure gave way around 7:45 AM local time.
District police chief Ahmed Gebeyehu confirmed to state media outlet Fana that the death toll had reached 36, with fears that it could rise further as rescue operations continued. Reports indicate that the number of injured could be as high as 200, although exact figures remain unclear. Local official Atnafu Abate stated that some individuals were still trapped under the rubble, complicating rescue efforts.
Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue teams have been deployed to the site, with some of the more seriously injured victims transported to hospitals in Addis Ababa. Images shared by the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) depict a scene of devastation, with tangled wooden poles and debris scattered across the area. The local administrator, Teshale Tilahun, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it “a tragic loss for the community.”
The collapse has raised urgent questions about safety standards in construction practices across Ethiopia. Health and safety regulations are often lax, leading to frequent construction accidents. This incident is not an isolated case; similar tragedies have occurred in the past, highlighting a systemic issue within the country’s building practices.
Historical Context of Construction Safety in Ethiopia
Ethiopia, Africa’s second-most populous nation, has seen rapid urbanization and development in recent years. However, this growth has often outpaced the establishment of robust safety regulations. The country has a history of construction-related accidents, with inadequate oversight contributing to unsafe building conditions.
In 2016, a similar tragedy occurred when a building collapsed in the capital, resulting in numerous fatalities. Such incidents have sparked public outcry and calls for reform, yet meaningful changes have been slow to materialize. The recent scaffolding collapse at the Menjar Shenkora Arerti Mariam Church serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved safety measures in the construction industry.
Community Response and Mourning
The local community is grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy. Many families are mourning the loss of loved ones, and the emotional toll is palpable. The Virgin Mary festival, which is typically a time of joy and celebration, has turned into a period of grief and reflection for the residents of Arerti.
Community leaders and religious figures are calling for solidarity and support for the victims’ families. As the community comes together to mourn, there is also a growing demand for accountability and action to prevent such incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The tragic collapse of scaffolding at the Menjar Shenkora Arerti Mariam Church during the Virgin Mary festival has left a profound impact on the community of Arerti and raised critical questions about construction safety in Ethiopia. As rescue operations continue and the nation mourns, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent safety regulations and oversight in the construction industry. The hope is that this tragedy will catalyze change, ensuring that such a devastating event does not occur again.
