At least 66 killed when truck crashes into river southern ethiopiaa hospital director said on Monday.

The accident occurred on Sunday when an old and overcrowded truck contracted by wedding guests fell from the Grand Bridge, villagers said traffic accident It’s happened before.

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Lemma Lagide, medical director of Bona General Hospital in the southern Sidama region, told The Associated Press on Monday that 64 people died on the spot and two others died in hospital.

He said patients who required more complex intensive care were transferred to a larger hospital in Hawassa.

Delays in rescue efforts in remote villages are believed to be responsible for the high number of casualties. Villagers said they tried to rescue people from the raging river with sticks.

This undated photo shows the Ethiopian flag. (Bildagentur-online/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Villager Serak Boko told The Associated Press that shortly before the accident, music was blaring from the truck and people in suits were dancing and waving.

People in rural Ethiopia often rent trucks instead of buses to transport them to social venues Weddings and other events Because they are cheaper and can carry a lot of people. Most of the people on the truck were men because they were culturally required to escort the bride from her home to the groom’s.

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“Accidents often happen along the river in this area because the road is poorly constructed,” said resident Fasil Atara, referring to the road’s lack of bumps and warnings.

Ethiopia has seen similar accidents in the past due to its desolate infrastructure and congested public transportation. In August, a bus overturned in the Amhara region, killing 38 people.