Jigjiga (WDN) – A horrific road accident struck the Ethiopian Somali Regional State capital of Jigjiga on Tuesday evening when a speeding vehicle reportedly veered out of control and crashed into a crowded roadside café, killing at least nine people and injuring several others.
According to local reports, the vehicle barreled into dozens of people who were seated outside the café, turning what had been an ordinary evening into a scene of devastation within seconds.
Witnesses described the aftermath as one of the most shocking traffic tragedies the city has experienced in recent years. Emergency responders rushed to the scene as survivors and bystanders desperately attempted to rescue those trapped beneath the wreckage and provide assistance to the injured before ambulances arrived.
Preliminary reports indicate that nine people lost their lives, although regional authorities have so far confirmed at least eight fatalities, suggesting that the death toll could rise as officials continue to assess the full extent of the disaster.
Several other victims sustained injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals. Authorities have not yet released an official figure for the number of people wounded or provided updates on their conditions.
The violence of the impact was so severe that some victims reportedly suffered catastrophic injuries, making immediate identification difficult and adding to the anguish of families searching for loved ones.
Local authorities and security agencies are expected to issue a comprehensive statement once investigations determine the precise cause of the crash. It remains unclear whether excessive speed, mechanical failure, driver error, or another factor triggered the deadly incident.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves across Jigjiga, with residents expressing grief over the sudden loss of life and calling for a thorough investigation to establish responsibility and prevent similar accidents in the future.
As families mourn the victims and hospitals continue treating the injured, the city remains in shock following one of its deadliest road accidents in recent memory.
WardheerNews