How could a routine trip to the Shashemene campus end in such unspeakable tragedy?
That is the chilling question haunting Ethiopia after a truck carrying staff from Meda Wallabu University turned a normal day into a nightmare. What was supposed to be the beginning of a new academic session instead became one of the darkest days in the university’s history—raising troubling questions about the circumstances surrounding the crash, the safety of the route, and whether this devastating loss could have been prevented.
Reports indicate that a tragic road accident involving a truck transporting lecturers from Meda Wallabu University has claimed the lives of 20 individuals.
Among the victims, 15 were university staff members who were reportedly traveling to the Shashemene campus to begin their teaching duties.
Local media outlet OBN confirmed that five of the fatalities had been officially recorded at the time of reporting.
Dr. Ibrahim Keleel, the president of Meda Wallabu University, stated that survivors of the accident are currently receiving treatment at hospitals in Adaba, Dodola, and Robe.
This devastating incident has not only left Meda Wallabu University in deep mourning but has also shaken the wider community. The sudden loss of so many dedicated educators serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for improved road safety measures.
As families grieve and survivors fight to recover, the tragedy underscores the invaluable role teachers play in shaping future generations and the profound impact their absence will leave behind.