Nine famous Ethiopian artists from Tigray who had significant roles in the struggle against the military regime died in a car accident on Monday.

Also after the fall of the dictatorial regime, the artists have had active roles in mobilizing the public towards development.

The artists were heading for Khartoum along with their counterparts from Amhara, Oromia and South Ethiopia Peoples’ states to stage a show on an invitation from the Sudanese government.

The trip was being coordinated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Berhane Gano, Letemeskel Gebrehiwot, Berhane Gebrehiwot, Berhane Kunama, Haile Gebreselassie, Tekle Tesfamariam, Haftom Gebremariam, Berhane Gebremichael and Ashenafi Mengistu died instantly as a result of the accident.



Seventeen others who had suffered severe injuries were flown to hospital by members of the Ethiopian Defense Force.

Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Tigray, Amhara, Oromia and South Ethiopia Peoples’ states, Tigray Peoples’ Liberation Front, Amhara National Democratic Movement and many others have expressed their deepest sorrows over the loss of the artists.

The Ethiopian Radio and Television Agency conveys condolence on the death of the artists.

ETV