A devastating road accident in Afghanistan’s western Herat province has claimed the lives of 71 people, including 17 children, after a passenger bus collided with a truck and motorcycle before bursting into flames.
What Happened?
The incident occurred late Tuesday night in Guzara district, near Herat city. The bus, carrying Afghan migrants deported from Iran, was en route to Kabul when it collided with a motorcycle and a fuel-laden truck, triggering a massive fire.
Victims & Survivors
- All passengers were reportedly migrants who had crossed into Afghanistan via the Islam Qala border.
- Only three passengers survived the crash.
- Two people in the truck and two on the motorcycle were also among the deceased.
Eyewitness Accounts
Footage shared by provincial spokesperson Ahmadullah Muttaqi showed the bus engulfed in flames. Emergency responders arrived swiftly but were unable to save most victims.
Road Safety Crisis
Traffic accidents are tragically common in Afghanistan due to:
- Poor road infrastructure
- Lack of regulation
- High-speed driving and vehicle overloads
This incident is being described as one of the deadliest traffic disasters in recent Afghan history.