At least 22 people died after a cargo truck carrying migrants and asylum seekers from Ethiopia overturned on a highway in Semera, a town in the country's northern Afar region, local authorities confirmed. The incident occurred several hundred kilometers west of neighboring Djibouti.
According to reports, the driver had misled passengers who were traveling without proper documentation, leading them onto the road with a questionable route. As a result, the vehicle overturned, leaving 22 individuals dead and at least 65 injured.
The accident highlights the dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross Africa's Eastern Route, which spans across several countries including Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti in search of work opportunities mainly in Gulf nations. Thousands have lost their lives on this perilous journey, with reports suggesting that between January and September 2025, over 890 deaths occurred along the route.
Last year's figures doubled from the previous year, indicating a concerning rise in migrant casualties. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the risk associated with traveling along the Eastern Route is "the highest annual toll ever documented," surpassing earlier years when there were significant numbers of fatalities in 2022 and 2023.
Despite these alarming statistics, migrants continue to be drawn to the Eastern Route due to dire economic circumstances. Ethiopia, with over 130 million inhabitants and rapidly growing economy, still has a large portion of its population living below the poverty line, according to the World Bank. As such, desperation often drives individuals to take perilous journeys in search of work or better opportunities abroad.
Efforts are being made by authorities to provide medical aid to those injured, with the regional government working tirelessly to save lives. The incident has sparked calls for greater awareness and action on migration issues, particularly regarding the safety concerns posed by the Eastern Route.
According to reports, the driver had misled passengers who were traveling without proper documentation, leading them onto the road with a questionable route. As a result, the vehicle overturned, leaving 22 individuals dead and at least 65 injured.
The accident highlights the dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross Africa's Eastern Route, which spans across several countries including Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti in search of work opportunities mainly in Gulf nations. Thousands have lost their lives on this perilous journey, with reports suggesting that between January and September 2025, over 890 deaths occurred along the route.
Last year's figures doubled from the previous year, indicating a concerning rise in migrant casualties. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the risk associated with traveling along the Eastern Route is "the highest annual toll ever documented," surpassing earlier years when there were significant numbers of fatalities in 2022 and 2023.
Despite these alarming statistics, migrants continue to be drawn to the Eastern Route due to dire economic circumstances. Ethiopia, with over 130 million inhabitants and rapidly growing economy, still has a large portion of its population living below the poverty line, according to the World Bank. As such, desperation often drives individuals to take perilous journeys in search of work or better opportunities abroad.
Efforts are being made by authorities to provide medical aid to those injured, with the regional government working tirelessly to save lives. The incident has sparked calls for greater awareness and action on migration issues, particularly regarding the safety concerns posed by the Eastern Route.
890 deaths in one year is just mind-blowing, you know? I mean, we're always talking about how far people have come with technology and all that, but at the end of the day, it's still people's lives we're talking about. And yeah, it's not like they had a choice, but still... can't help thinking there should be more support for these folks, you know? Like, I'm all for economic growth and all, but if someone's gotta die because they can't afford to live here, then what's the point, right? 
And it's crazy how the numbers keep doubling, like what are we doing wrong, man? We should be able to figure this out. 
At least the authorities are trying to help now... 
, 22 people lost their lives just trying to make a better life for themselves... it's crazy how desperate people can be when it comes to economic situations 
. I mean, you'd think that with Ethiopia having such a growing economy and all, more opportunities would be available for its citizens. But it seems like that's not the case 
... I don't know what kind of route he thought they'd want to take 
. It's so important for people to prioritize their safety, especially when traveling with others. But at the same time, can you blame them for wanting a better life? People are desperate and will do whatever it takes to survive.
... more support is needed, though. We need to have a bigger conversation about migration issues and find ways to make these journeys safer. It's not just about the migrants themselves, but also their families back home who are left behind when they don't come back 
. We need to find a way to stop this cycle of desperation and find better solutions for these people 
.
. We need more education on safe migration routes and ways to avoid these types of accidents, it's not like people don't know the risks but desperation can drive folks to make bad choices 
.
. The IOM says it's the highest annual toll ever documented - that's crazy! We need more support for migrants, not just awareness about the risks... they're human beings trying to make a better life for themselves 
. Ethiopia's poverty rates are still through the roof, so it's not just about educating folks on safe migration - it's about creating opportunities at home first 
.
my heart goes out to all those who lost their loved ones in that tragic accident... it's just devastating to think about people risking their lives for a chance at a better life, only to be met with such senseless tragedy 
.
It's time for us to think about the bigger picture here.
. Can't we talk about something else for once? Like did you guys see that cargo truck accident in Ethiopia? 22 people dead and countless more injured... it's just heartbreaking 
.
. Get some real-life perspective for once! 
this is so sad 22 people died... like what were they thinking?