A tragic scaffold collapse at Ararti Debre Genet St. Mary’s Church in Minjar Shenkor, North Shewa Diocese, claimed several lives and left many injured on Wednesday morning as worshippers gathered to celebrate an annual Marian feast.
The wooden scaffolding, part of ongoing construction at the church, gave way during the crowded religious celebration. Local police chief Ahmed Gebeyehu told Reuters that the death toll may rise, with several of the injured in critical condition.
Catholic Church Offers Condolences
In a message shared with Vatican News, Cardinal Berhaneyesus, President of the Ethiopian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
“We are deeply saddened… resulting in the loss of many lives and injuries to many others,” he said. The Cardinal extended heartfelt prayers to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, especially to the clergy and faithful of the affected parish, and to the families of the victims.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, one of the world’s oldest Christian communities, observes the Marian feast as a significant annual event, often drawing large crowds.
Investigations are ongoing as emergency services continue their response.
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