**Bus Crash in Ethiopian Mountains Claims 31 Lives**
**June 15, 2026** - An overcrowded bus traveling from the northern town of Dessie to the capital city of Addis Ababa has plunged into a ravine, resulting in the deaths of at least 31 individuals and injuring dozens more. The tragic incident occurred early on Monday on a perilous stretch of road known as Harego, situated in the mountainous region of northern Ethiopia.
According to police reports, the bus veered off the road and fell approximately 100 meters (about 330 feet) into a ravine surrounded by dense forest. Eyewitness accounts and images shared on social media depict the bus severely damaged, with its wreckage scattered along the hillside.
The aftermath of the crash has raised concerns regarding the speed of medical response, as several victims reportedly succumbed to their injuries due to delayed medical attention. The lack of adequate ambulance services in the region forced many injured passengers to seek treatment independently, exacerbating their conditions before reaching medical facilities.
Ethiopia is notorious for having some of the most dangerous roads in the world, with a significant increase in road traffic fatalities noted in recent years. Official statistics indicate that road traffic deaths more than doubled between 2007 and 2018, highlighting a growing public safety crisis. A United Nations report has identified a lack of proper traffic signage and road markings as major contributors to the high accident rates.
The Harego road, where the accident occurred, is particularly treacherous due to its winding nature and the challenging terrain of the Ethiopian mountains. The region has seen its share of deadly accidents, including a December 2024 incident where 71 people lost their lives when a truck fell into a river in the southern Sidama region.
Authorities are expected to conduct an investigation into the causes of this latest crash, as the nation grapples with ongoing issues related to road safety and infrastructure. The Ethiopian government has faced criticism for its failure to improve road conditions and implement effective traffic management systems, which are essential in preventing such catastrophic events.
As the nation mourns the loss of life from this tragic accident, calls for reform in road safety measures are likely to intensify, urging the government to prioritize the enhancement of infrastructure and emergency response services to prevent future tragedies.