The incident occurred late yesterday at a site commonly used for waste collection and disposal. According to local authorities and eyewitness reports, a massive mound of waste and earth collapsed unexpectedly, burying those in the immediate vicinity.
Details of the Incident
The victims, whose identities are being withheld until all family members are notified, were reportedly at the site when the collapse happened. Emergency response teams and local residents rushed to the scene to begin rescue operations, but the sheer volume of debris made the initial efforts difficult.
- Casualties: Two confirmed deaths.
- Location: A designated waste management area on the outskirts of Dessie.
- Cause: While investigations are ongoing, initial assessments suggest that heavy rainfall in the region may have destabilized the waste piles, leading to the fatal collapse.
Recovery and Response
Dessie City administration officials expressed their deep condolences to the families of the victims. Search and rescue teams worked through the night to recover the bodies, which have since been transported to a local medical facility for processing.
"This is a heartbreaking accident," said a representative from the city's emergency management bureau. "We are working to ensure the site is stabilized to prevent any further slides and to support the bereaved families during this difficult time."
Environmental and Safety Concerns
The disaster has raised urgent questions regarding the safety of waste disposal sites near residential or high-traffic areas. Experts note that during the rainy season, such sites become increasingly hazardous due to soil saturation.
Local authorities have advised residents to stay away from the perimeter of disposal sites and have promised a full review of waste management protocols to mitigate the risk of future tragedies.