At least 30 people were killed and more than 200 injured after scaffolding collapsed at Arerti Mariam Church in Amhara, Ethiopia, during an annual St. Mary celebration.

Thousands of worshippers had gathered at the church north of Addis Ababa when the wooden structure gave way, with many still trapped under the rubble.

Eyewitnesses said people had climbed the scaffolding to view the ceiling before it collapsed, causing panic and chaos.

Victims ranged in age from 25 to 80, and some of the injured are children, People has reported.

The Ethiopian government expressed condolences and emphasized that safety must be prioritized during construction projects.