A devastating incident unfolded in Ethiopia as scaffolding collapsed at the Arerti Mariam church in the central Minjar Sheknora area, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 people and injuring over 200 others. The tragedy occurred during an annual Orthodox Christian celebration of St Mary, which had drawn thousands of worshippers to the site. Local police inspector Ahmed Gebeyehu confirmed the incident to BBC Amharic, warning that the death toll could rise further. The victims, aged between 25 and 80, were part of a large crowd gathered for the religious event. The Ethiopian government, through a statement shared by the state-run Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), expressed its ‘deep condolences for the damage caused by the collapse of the scaffolding.’ The statement also emphasized the critical need for prioritizing safety in all construction projects. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in enforcing health and safety regulations in Ethiopia, where construction disasters remain a recurring issue. The collapse has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a joyous religious occasion, leaving the community in mourning and raising urgent questions about construction standards and oversight.