```html Ethiopia Church Collapse: Dozens Killed as Scaffolding Fails During Festival

At least 36 people have died and hundreds more injured after scaffolding collapsed at the St. Mariam Orthodox Christian Church in Arerti, Ethiopia, during celebrations for the annual St. Mariam festival. The incident occurred on Wednesday as worshippers gathered inside the still-under-construction church. Mass funerals were held on Thursday, with mourners gathering at a nearby church compound to pay their respects.

Eyewitness Accounts Detail Chaotic Scene

Eyewitnesses told the BBC that a large number of worshippers had climbed onto makeshift wooden scaffolding to view a newly painted mural on the church ceiling when the structure gave way. "The staircase was entirely wooden, and there were many people moving upstairs at the time. As the congregants were going, the wooden structure gave way, leading to the collapse," said Gebreweld Tesfaye, who witnessed the tragedy.

Other eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as people panicked and attempted to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue efforts were hampered by the large crowds and the unstable nature of the remaining structure. The injured, numbering around 200, were taken to local health centers, with some critically wounded individuals transferred to Addis Ababa for specialized treatment.

"It's Difficult to Lose Your Mother"

Fikre Tilahun, 22, who lost his mother in the disaster, spoke to the BBC about his grief. "It's difficult to lose your mother, very difficult," he said. He recounted rushing to the church and then to a health center in search of his mother after hearing about the collapse. Her body was later identified at a hospital.

The archbishop of the local diocese, Megabi Hadis Nekatibeb, described the disaster as "incredibly tragic and heart-breaking." The government has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the need for prioritizing safety during all construction projects.

Poor Safety Standards a Recurring Issue

This incident highlights a persistent problem in Ethiopia: the lax enforcement of health and safety regulations, particularly in the construction sector. Construction-related accidents are unfortunately common, often resulting in injuries and fatalities. Experts point to a combination of factors, including inadequate training for construction workers, the use of substandard materials, and a lack of effective oversight by regulatory bodies.

Expert Analysis: Systemic Issues at Play

Dr. Hanna Kebede, a professor of urban planning at Addis Ababa University, notes that "This tragedy is a symptom of a larger problem. Rapid urbanization and development in Ethiopia often outpace the capacity of regulatory agencies to ensure safety standards are met. There's a need for greater investment in worker training, stricter enforcement of building codes, and a cultural shift that prioritizes safety over speed and cost-cutting."

Ethiopia's Orthodox Christian Tradition

The St. Mariam festival is an important event in the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian calendar. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, with roots tracing back to the 4th century. Religious festivals like St. Mariam draw large crowds and are central to the cultural and spiritual life of many Ethiopians.

This tragedy underscores the need for improved safety measures at public gatherings, particularly in places of worship that are under construction or undergoing renovation. The government's pledge to prioritize safety will be closely watched to see if concrete steps are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Fikre Tilahun, reflecting on the loss of his mother, said life would not be the same for him and his younger brother. "She raised us by making and selling tella [a locally brewed liquor]," he told the BBC. The community now faces the difficult task of mourning their loved ones and rebuilding after this devastating event. ```