Addis ababa: At least 30 people were killed and more than 200 injured 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, according to the Minjar Shenkora District Police Office.

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

Siyoum Altaye, acting director of Arerti Hospital, informed local media that the hospital and the Red Cross were actively treating the wounded. He mentioned that six patients with severe injuries, beyond the hospital's capacity, had been transferred to other medical facilities. More than 70 people were still receiving care at Arerti Hospital, while those with less severe injuries were sent to nearby health centers, as reported by 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 the victims' families and emphasized the need to enforce safety regulations at construction sites. The statement highlighted that protecting workers and nearby residents must be a top priority and that future inspections should ensure strict compliance with safety standards.