Amhara, Ethiopia—At least twenty-eight people died Monday when a passenger bus plunged into a ravine. The vehicle was traveling from Dessie toward the capital city, Addis Ababa. Local police confirmed the death toll early in the afternoon.

Emergency teams rushed to the site shortly after the bus veered off the road. Many passengers sustained severe injuries during the fall. Search and recovery efforts began immediately despite the difficult, rugged terrain of the region.

The state-run Amhara Media Corporation reported the incident, citing police officials overseeing the site. The bus was reportedly carrying a full load of passengers when it left the roadway. The cause of the accident remains unknown at this hour.

Deadly traffic incidents occur frequently across Ethiopia’s mountain roads. Poor driving standards and lack of vehicle maintenance remain persistent issues in regional transport. The narrow, winding nature of the highway adds to the constant risk for long-distance travelers.

Local villagers joined the initial rescue effort before professional crews could reach the bottom of the ravine. They pulled bodies from the wreckage throughout the morning hours. The injured were transported to the nearest clinics for emergency treatment.

Medical staff in the surrounding districts are currently overwhelmed by the influx of survivors. Several hospitals have issued calls for blood donations to assist those in critical condition. The final death toll may rise as rescue teams continue to clear the wreckage.

Authorities have ordered a full investigation into the operator of the bus line. Officials are questioning why the vehicle lost control on that specific stretch of the route. The road remains closed to traffic while recovery vehicles work to remove the remains of the bus.

Families of the victims have begun gathering at the local police stations seeking information. Information regarding the identities of the deceased has not been released. The scene remains an active site for recovery and forensic examination.

Regional government spokespeople have promised an inquiry into road safety standards following the event. No immediate changes to transit operations have been announced. The focus remains on clearing the ravine and stabilizing the surviving passengers.