Scaffolding supporting a church under construction in Ethiopia's Amhara region has collapsed, killing at least 25 people and injuring scores of others, authorities say.

The accident happened early on Wednesday at Menjar Shenkora Arerti Mariam Church in Amhara, northern Ethiopia, as worshippers gathered for an annual event celebrating St Mary.

Many worshippers had climbed up the wooden scaffolding to see a ceiling mural when the support structure collapsed, according to witnesses.

"We all had gathered in prayers when all of a sudden the scaffolding collapsed and people starting falling from the ceiling," witness Mikias Mebratu, who lost three of his friends, said at the scene.

Seyoum Altaye, a clinician with a local hospital, said the victims include some children and elderly people.

"

See Full Page