A devastating traffic accident in Ethiopia's Amhara Region has resulted in the deaths of 18 people and left 62 others injured, according to local police. The incident, which occurred on April 26, 2026, has sparked widespread concern over road safety in the country.
The accident took place in the Wag Hemra Zone, specifically within the Dahana Woreda's Kebele 09, in an area locally known as "Biglishwa." The vehicle involved was identified as an Isuzu, which was reportedly traveling from Ebnet town to Sekota town when the sudden crash occurred.
The Dahana Woreda Police Office confirmed the tragic toll, stating that 18 individuals died instantly at the scene. In addition to the fatalities, 62 passengers sustained various degrees of physical injuries, ranging from minor to severe, and were transported for medical attention.
Police officials noted that the Isuzu vehicle suffered extensive damage in the crash, making it difficult to identify its license plate number. The exact cause of the accident is currently under investigation, with authorities working to determine the contributing factors.
In an attempt to gather more detailed information regarding the accident's cause and circumstances, Tikvah Ethiopia, the source of this report, contacted Ato Shumete Tilahun, the Deputy Administrator and Head of the Investment Department for the Wag Hemra Zone Administration. However, Ato Shumete declined to provide specific details at the time, requesting that inquiries be made on a different day.
The tragic event has ignited public outcry and prompted questions regarding the enforcement of transportation regulations, particularly concerning vehicle overloading. Many observers have voiced concerns about the apparent lack of oversight, questioning how a single vehicle could reportedly carry as many as 80 people without proper supervision.
Ethiopia faces significant challenges with road safety, frequently experiencing a high number of traffic fatalities and injuries annually. Factors contributing to these accidents often include poor road infrastructure, aging vehicle fleets, inadequate vehicle maintenance, overloading of public transport, and reckless driving practices. Despite ongoing efforts to improve road safety, such incidents remain a serious public health and safety concern across the country, highlighting persistent issues related to passenger safety and regulatory enforcement in public transportation.
Source: Telegram / tikvahethiopia