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Deadly accident in Ethiopia's Afar region
At least 22 Ethiopian migrants died and 65 others were injured when the lorry carrying them overturned near the town of Semera on Tuesday morning, regional authorities confirmed.
Incident details
Mohammed Ali Biedo, a senior official in Afar, stated that approximately 85 migrants were packed into the vehicle when it crashed. The lorry was reportedly traveling along the eastern migration corridor, a route frequently used by Ethiopians heading toward Yemen and onward to Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia.
Biedo attributed the accident to illegal brokers who misled the migrants about the risks of the journey. Thirty of the injured remain in critical condition, according to his statement.
Regional response
The Afar regional government described the crash as "horrific" and said emergency teams were conducting "all necessary life-saving operations" for the survivors. Officials also issued a warning to Ethiopian youth, urging them to avoid human trafficking networks that make false promises about safe passage.
"We will ensure that law enforcement continues to work with relevant authorities to prevent such tragedies from recurring," the regional government said.
Dangerous migration route
The journey from the Horn of Africa-comprising Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, and Eritrea-to Yemen is considered one of the world's most hazardous migration paths, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Despite the risks, over 60,000 migrants reached Yemen in 2024, many aiming to reach Saudi Arabia or other Gulf states in search of employment.
Broader context
The crash highlights the persistent dangers faced by migrants attempting irregular crossings. The IOM has repeatedly warned about the high risks of exploitation, violence, and fatal accidents along this route.
