Arerti Maryam Church collapse
2025 building collapse in Ethiopia
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On 1 October 2025, the scaffolding of Arerti Mariyam Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Arerti District, Amhara Region, Ethiopia collapsed during its construction, killing at least 36 people and injuring over 200 others.[1][2]
- Arerti District, Minjar Shenkora, North Shewa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
- 8.930°N 39.426°E
 | |
| Date | 1 October 2025 |
|---|---|
| Time | 7:45 a.m. EAT (UTC+03:00) |
| Venue | Arerti Maryam Church |
| Location |
|
| Type | Building collapse |
| Participants | 236+ |
| Outcome | Damage to the church |
| Deaths | 36+ |
| Injuries | 200+ |
| Missing | Some |
Property damage | Scaffolding collapsed |
Incident
At 7:45 a.m. the scaffolding of the church collapsed. The accident happened during a pilgrimage to mark the Virgin Mary's anniversary. 1 October in the Orthodox Church is Intercession of the Theotokos, a Marian feast.[citation needed]
Eyewitnesses told the BBC that people were climbing up the scaffolding inside the church to admire a newly completed mural on the ceiling.[2]
Ahmed Gebeyehu, Minjar District Police Commander told the death toll was increasing as many victims were transported to hospital.[1]
Speaking before the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, local official Atnafu Abate stated some victims remained under rubble.[3]
