AT least 30 people have died and more than 200 others been injured after scaffolding collapsed at a church in Ethiopia.
Thousands of worshippers were gathered at the Arerti Mariam church early in the morning when the structure fell, local police inspector Ahmed Gebeyehu told BBC Amharic.
The crowd had visited the church, in the central Minjar Sheknora area about 70 km (45 miles) from the capital Addis Ababa, as part of the annual Orthodox Christian celebration of St Mary.
Mr Ahmed said the death toll might increase, adding that those confirmed deceased were aged between 25 and 80.
Local authorities say many people are still trapped under the rubble and that rescue operations are underway.
Eyewitnesses described the incident as sudden and chaotic, as attendees scattered in panic to save their lives.
“A large section of the church collapsed – the sound of the wooden structure giving way was loud and terrifying,” said one eyewitness.
Some of the severely injured victims have been transferred to Addis Ababa for further treatment.
A government statement shared by the state-run Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) expressed “deep condolences for the damage caused by the collapse of the scaffolding”.
The statement also stressed that “safety must be given priority” during all construction projects.
Health and safety regulations are poorly enforced in Ethiopia and construction disasters are common.
