Traffic Accident Claims Two Lives in Southern Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA – Two people were dead after a traffic accident in southern Ethiopia’s Gedeo Zone, the Police said on Tuesday.

The accident happened in Yirgacheffe district’s Konga kebele of the SNNP regional state, according to the Police Department of the district.

A truck, identified as a Mercedes licensed with a 06969 plate number, veered away from the roadway to the left and overturned, killing the two people.

Police said the truck, which started its journey from Moyale, was heading to Dilla town when it crashed after running over a motorbike.

The drivers of both the truck and motorbike were pronounced dead at the scene.

The truck driver’s assistant also sustained a severe injury and was sent to Dilla Referral hospital for treatment.

Commander Kebede Birhane said an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the accident.

The latest wreck is the third fatal crash that happened on the same road in the past month.

These accidents left a total of 5 people dead and killed 8 camels and 12 cattle, said Commander Kebede.

The steep nature of the road, lack of proper traffic signs, and speeding may have contributed to the deadly accidents, according to the Police.

Commander Kebede has advised drivers to take the necessary precaution when driving on the route while urging authorities to install traffic signs along the road as soon as possible.

Traffic accidents are relatively common in Ethiopia, which has one of the lowest per capita car ownership in the world.

At least 13 people lose their lives in a day due to deadly accidents, as per a 2021 UN report.

Bad roads, flawed driving license issuance systems and lax enforcement of road safety, and lack of road signs are often blamed for most accidents.

[Featured (c) Image Gedeo Zone Communication Office]