ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Six people were killed and several others injured in a traffic accident in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, on Monday, local authorities have confirmed.
The accident occurred when the digging bucket of an excavator operating on the road collapsed onto a minibus taxi traveling in Addis Ababa's Bole Subcity, eventually killing at least six people, the city's police said in a statement issued Monday.
In addition to the six fatalities, police said several other passengers aboard the minibus taxi also sustained serious or minor injuries.
Authorities said that survivors are currently receiving medical treatment in nearby health facilities, while an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.
The incident is among a series of deadly traffic accidents in the East African nation, which are often linked to reckless driving, weak law enforcement, poor vehicle conditions and other factors.
With vehicle numbers rising alongside the country's growing economy and expanding middle class, experts call for stricter safety enforcement, thorough vehicle inspections, and a more rigorous licensing system to prevent future tragedies. ■