• 22 in Uganda bus, truck crash
Ethiopia’s state-affiliated broadcaster reports that a landslide triggered by heavy rains has killed 23 people in the country’s Oromia region.
Fana Broadcasting Corporation reported that the landslide happened Saturday evening after hours of heavy rains in the area. The report said 16 of the fatalities were women. It said six others were injured and taken to health centers after sustaining heavy bodily injuries.
Ethiopia is receiving heavy seasonal rains which sometimes cause severe landslides in some parts of the country. Close to 50 people died in a similar landslide in May 2016 after heavy rains caused flooding and landslides.
Meanwhile, a police spokesman said 22 people are dead after a speeding passenger bus struck a tractor and then a beer truck on its way to Uganda’s capital. Emilian Kayima says in a statement that 14 others were injured in the crash Friday evening near Kiryandongo town. Police dispute a Uganda Red Cross statement that the crash killed more than 40.
Motor accidents frequently occur in the East African nation where roads are often narrow and potholed. Authorities blame many accidents on speeding or drunk drivers.