At least 28 people died while 19 others were seriously injured after a bus swerved off the road and plunged into a river in southern Ethiopia on Wednesday, local authorities have confirmed.
The accident occurred in the Wolaita region, roughly 400 kilometers (250 miles) south of the capital, Addis Ababa.
According to local officials, the bus, which veered down a steep slope, was severely damaged, with the roof ripped off due to the impact.
Rescue and search operations are still underway, as authorities have not yet determined the total number of passengers on board at the time of the crash.
Images shared on social media showed the bus lying in the river, with extensive damage to the vehicle’s structure. The cause of the accident has yet to be confirmed.
Authorities stated that continued efforts to retrieve more victims from the scene are underway.