At least 30 people were killed and more than 200 injured on Wednesday when a wooden scaffolding platform collapsed at a church construction site in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, local media reported.

The accident occurred at the Arerti Mariam Church in the Minjar Shenkora district of the North Shewa Zone, the Minjar Shenkora District Police Office said.

Chief Inspector Ahmed Gebeyehu, head of the district police, said 30 people died at the scene and more than 200 others sustained injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening. He warned the death toll could rise because some victims were in critical condition.

Siyoum Altaye, acting director of Arerti Hospital, told local media that the hospital and the Red Cross were treating the wounded. Six patients with severe injuries beyond the hospital’s capacity were transferred to other medical facilities, he said.

Safety regulations

More than 70 people were still receiving care at Arerti Hospital, while those with less severe injuries were sent to nearby health centres, according to regional media. Authorities have requested additional medical support from other institutions due to the scale of the disaster.

The Government Communication Service (GCS) issued a statement offering condolences to victims’ families and stressing the need to enforce safety regulations at construction sites. It said protecting workers and nearby residents must be a top priority and that future inspections should ensure strict compliance with safety standards.