ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — At least 66 people have died after a truck plunged into a river in southern Ethiopia, a hospital director said Monday. The accident took place Sunday when an old, overcrowded truck that was contracted by wedding guests fell off the Gelan Bridge, where villagers said traffic crashes have happened before.

Road accidents are common in Ethiopia, Africa's second-most populous nation, where roads are often poorly maintained.

Traffic police reported the truck was overloaded, which likely caused the accident. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Türkiye on Monday extended its condolences to Ethiopia over a road accident that claimed the lives of 71 people. “We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of Ethiopia,” a Foreign Ministry statement said.

At least 71 people died in Ethiopia when a truck packed with passengers plunged into a river, according to the spokesperson for the southern Sidama regional government and a statement.

At least 66 people have died after a truck plunged into a river in southern Ethiopia, a hospital director said Monday. The accident took place Sunday when an old, overcrowded truck that was contracted by wedding guests fell off the Gelan Bridge,

At least 71 people have died in Ethiopia after a truck packed with passengers plunged into a river, according to the spokesperson for the southern Sidama regional government and a statement.

Official said driver lost control of vehicle, which was carrying 76 people, when trying to turn a tight bend ahead of a bridge on Sunday.